Radford vs Richmond: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Radford, VA and Richmond, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Radford, VA | Richmond, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $76,304▲ | $75,650 |
| Hourly Rate | $36.68▲ | $36.38 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,671 | $56,347▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $70,765▲ | $62,234 |
| 75th Percentile | $83,749▲ | $81,866 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $91,141▲ | $85,358 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 560▲ |
Verdict
Radford, VA offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Richmond.
The salary gap between Radford and Richmond is $654 (0.86%). Radford's median is +8.62% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Radford spans $35,470,Richmond spans $29,011. Radford 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, Richmond ($77,306 effective) pays 4.56% more than Radford ($73,938 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Radford if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($76,304/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($91,141)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Richmond if…
- ✓Larger job market (560 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $77,306)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Radford grew 14.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 22.5% growth in Richmond over the same period.
Radford, VA
$65,144 (2024) → $74,276 (2025)
Richmond, VA
$60,100 (2019) → $73,640 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Radford, VA
Richmond, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
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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