Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Burke, VA: $53,178 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Burke, VA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $53,178 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Burke's local price level (BEA RPP 103.2 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $51,529 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($74,669) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, newly graduated physical therapist assistants in Burke, Virginia, can expect a starting salary around $53,178, which reflects a significant gap from the median annual salary of $74,669 for the region. Early-career professionals can realistically aim to bridge this gap over the next few years, as they progress from entry-level compensation towards the 25th percentile salary of $65,331 as they gain experience. For those considering a career in this field, Burke currently presents a favorable job market, with opportunities for new graduates to develop their skills and increase their earning potential. Given the projected growth rate of 2.73%, new PTAs can expect steady demand within the healthcare sector as they advance toward more competitive salaries.
About the Burke Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Burke
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burke
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Burke, VA typically start between $53,178 and $65,331 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $41,580 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $74,669 — 6.29% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Virginia of $22,000 represents just 41.37% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($53,178/year) in Burke. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CAPTE-accredited Physical Therapist Assistant associate degree programs. Tuition varies between community college and private technical school programs.
PTA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Burke
- 1Research the Burke market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $53,178 to $65,331, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the physical therapy field — employers in VA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Burke, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Burke for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Burke's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Physical Therapist Assistant Compensation Range
The physical therapist assistant wage spread in Burke is $41,580 ( 78.19%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $53,178, experienced hygienists can earn up to $94,758.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$36,263
2025 BLS Actual
$51,765
2026 Current Est.
$53,178
2019–2027 Growth
+50.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Burke (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,263 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,685 | Actual |
| 2021 | $40,415 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,984 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,651 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,192 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,765 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53,178 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,630 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Burke, VA grew 42.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $36,263 in 2019 to $51,765 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $54,630. New graduates entering the Burke job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burke metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.73% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your physical therapy Career in Burke
Employers hiring entry-level physical therapist assistants in Burke typically include outpatient rehabilitation facilities, where new grads are welcomed for their fresh skills and perspectives. Skilled nursing facilities continue to recruit despite recent cuts in Medicare reimbursements, while home health agencies often seek candidates with 1-2 years of clinical experience. To enhance earning potential in Virginia, aspiring PTAs should focus on obtaining an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, passing the NPTAE national exam, securing state licensure, and completing BLS certification. For those interested in differentiating themselves, advanced proficiency credentials from the APTA can further boost their professional profile. Realistically, salaries in the first couple of years may hover around entry-level in heavily Medicare-reliant environments, yet as experience grows, so too does earning potential, with opportunities for higher wages and career advancement, including the pathway from PTA to DPT.
More salary data for Burke, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Burke in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Burke?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Burke?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Burke?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new physical therapy graduates. A 2.73% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Burke. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Burke is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.73%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for physical therapist assistants (SOC 31-2021).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, DPT, a licensed physical therapist assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov