Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Radford, VA: $55,671 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Radford, VA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $55,671 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Radford's local price level (BEA RPP 103.2 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $53,945 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($76,304) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Radford, Virginia, new graduates seeking positions as physical therapist assistants can expect a starting annual salary of approximately $55,671 in 2026. This entry-level pay reflects a significant gap when compared to the median annual salary of $76,304 for the profession in the city, indicating potential for growth as one gains experience. Over the first few years in the field, entry-level professionals can anticipate elevated earnings as they advance towards the 25th percentile compensation of $70,765 and eventually the median salary as they develop their skills and build their professional reputation. Considering the current growth trajectory and projected salary increase, Radford represents a favorable market for new PTA graduates entering the workforce.
About the Radford Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Radford
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 Radford
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Radford, VA typically start between $55,671 and $70,765 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $35,470 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $76,304 — 8.62% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Virginia of $22,000 represents just 39.52% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($55,671/year) in Radford. 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 Radford
- 1Research the Radford market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $55,671 to $70,765, 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 Radford, 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 Radford for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Radford'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 Radford is $35,470 ( 63.71%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $55,671, experienced hygienists can earn up to $91,141.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$37,963
2025 BLS Actual
$54,192
2026 Current Est.
$55,671
2019–2027 Growth
+50.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Radford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37,963 | Actual |
| 2020 | $38,405 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,309 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,187 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,791 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,819 | Actual |
| 2025 | $54,192 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $55,671 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57,191 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Radford, VA grew 42.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $37,963 in 2019 to $54,192 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $57,191. New graduates entering the Radford job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Radford 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 Radford
Several employers in Radford are willing to hire newly graduated PTAs, with outpatient rehabilitation chains being among the most active recruiters. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) are also hiring despite recent reimbursement cuts, while home health agencies typically prefer candidates with some clinic experience. Attaining an associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited PTA program, passing the NPTAE national exam, and obtaining a state PTA license are the crucial initial steps that set the foundation for career growth in Virginia. Additionally, continuing education, such as advanced proficiency credentials through the APTA, can help enhance starting pay. Given the complexities of the reimbursement landscape, particularly with the CMS cuts to Medicare, new PTAs might experience a slower salary progression in heavily Medicare-reliant settings. However, those who take proactive steps early on can expect steady salary growth during their first few years in the profession, particularly if they gain valuable experience and maintain flexibility in their job options.
More salary data for Radford, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Radford in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Radford?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Radford?
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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 Radford. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Radford 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