Norfolk vs Virginia Beach: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Norfolk, VA and Virginia Beach, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Norfolk, VA | Virginia Beach, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $76,425▲ | $75,301 |
| Hourly Rate | $36.75▲ | $36.20 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,620 | $53,111▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $63,991▲ | $62,604 |
| 75th Percentile | $90,127▲ | $80,417 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $104,485▲ | $84,239 |
| Total Employed | 54 | 790▲ |
Verdict
Norfolk, VA offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Virginia Beach.
The salary gap between Norfolk and Virginia Beach is $1,124 (1.49%). Norfolk's median is +8.79% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Norfolk spans $54,865,Virginia Beach spans $31,128. Norfolk has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Virginia Beach ($76,884 effective) pays 3.82% more than Norfolk ($74,055 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Norfolk if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($76,425/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($104,485)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Virginia Beach if…
- ✓Larger job market (790 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $76,884)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Norfolk grew 4.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 25.0% growth in Virginia Beach over the same period.
Norfolk, VA
$71,202 (2024) → $74,394 (2025)
Virginia Beach, VA
$58,660 (2019) → $73,300 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Norfolk, VA
Virginia Beach, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Norfolk or Virginia Beach?
What is the hourly rate difference between Norfolk and Virginia Beach?
Should I relocate from Norfolk to Virginia Beach as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Norfolk vs Virginia Beach?
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Written by Jordan Lee, DPT
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in outpatient physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Jordan works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.73% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, DPT, a licensed physical therapist assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov