Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Hampton, VA: $53,637 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Hampton, VA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $53,637 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Hampton's local price level (BEA RPP 103.2 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $51,974 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($75,530) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hampton, Virginia, new graduates entering the workforce as physical therapist assistants can expect a starting salary around $53,637 in 2026. This figure represents the lower tenth percentile and signifies the salary entry-point for entry-level positions in the area. While this starting pay is considerably below the median annual salary of $75,530, it reflects the potential growth trajectory for new PTAs in the first few years. With experience, salaries can rise to about $66,326 at the twenty-fifth percentile, approaching the median within three to five years. Given the projected annual growth rate of 2.73%, Hampton currently presents a favorable job market for new graduates eager to launch their careers in this essential field.
About the Hampton Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Hampton
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 Hampton
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Hampton, VA typically start between $53,637 and $66,326 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $47,574 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $75,530 — 7.52% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Virginia of $22,000 represents just 41.02% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($53,637/year) in Hampton. 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 Hampton
- 1Research the Hampton market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $53,637 to $66,326, 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 Hampton, 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 Hampton for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Hampton'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 Hampton is $47,574 ( 88.70%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $53,637, experienced hygienists can earn up to $101,211.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$36,576
2025 BLS Actual
$52,212
2026 Current Est.
$53,637
2019–2027 Growth
+50.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Hampton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,576 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,002 | Actual |
| 2021 | $40,764 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,390 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,045 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,595 | Actual |
| 2025 | $52,212 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53,637 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,102 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Hampton, VA grew 42.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $36,576 in 2019 to $52,212 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $55,102. New graduates entering the Hampton job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hampton 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 Hampton
New physical therapist assistants in Hampton will primarily find opportunities at outpatient rehabilitation centers, which typically hire freshly graduated PTAs eager to gain practical experience. Skilled nursing facilities are still seeking new talent, despite recent cuts in Medicare reimbursement for PTA-provided services. Graduates should be aware that agencies specializing in home health may prioritize candidates with some clinical experience. To boost starting pay in Virginia, credentials such as a CAPTE-accredited associate's degree, passing the NPTAE national exam, and obtaining a state PTA license are essential. Furthermore, gaining advanced proficiency credentials through the APTA can enhance marketability and income potential. Given the industry's current dynamics, a realistic salary increase for new graduates over the first few years hinges on gaining experience and adapting to regulations that increasingly affect reimbursement rates, particularly in Medicare-driven settings.
More salary data for Hampton, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Hampton in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Hampton?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Hampton?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Hampton?
How do I become a physical therapist assistant in Virginia?
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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 Hampton. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Hampton 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