Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Bristol, VA: $31.64 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Bristol, VA runs $31.64 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,809 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Bristol's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.66 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,488 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, skilled physical therapist assistants in Bristol, Virginia, can expect a median hourly pay of $31.64, which falls below the national median of $33.77. This hourly rate provides ample opportunities for those pursuing partial employment, such as part-time workers in outpatient clinic gyms, skilled nursing facilities, and home health agencies. For instance, a PTA working three days a week may find this salary structure beneficial, allowing flexibility while earning a respectable income. The hourly wage spans a range from $23.51 for entry-level positions to $39.13 for the most seasoned professionals, showcasing the wide array of earning potential in Bristol. These figures are derived from projected data based on 2025 BLS estimates, highlighting the local economic context and trends in hourly compensation.
About the Bristol Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.51 | $188.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.31 | $226.50 |
| Median (P50) | $31.64 | $253.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.65 | $285.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.13 | $313.04 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bristol
Based on $31.64/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.64/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bristol, VA can expect to earn approximately $65,813 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,969. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bristol.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bristol
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,265.63 | $5,484 | $65,813 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $759.38 | $3,291 | $39,488 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $506.25 | $2,194 | $26,325 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Bristol) | $31.64 |
| Physical Therapist (National Avg) | $48.65 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (National Avg) | $33.15 |
| Athletic Trainer (National Avg) | $27.85 |
| Massage Therapist (National Avg) | $27.10 |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Bristol, VA earn a median of $65,809 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.32% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 13.00% below the Virginia state average of $75,642.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.64/hr = $39,488/year (purchasing power: $38,263).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,813/year (purchasing power: $63,772).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.48/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.80/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.64/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Bristol (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.48/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.92/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.56/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.27/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.86/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.49/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.80/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.64/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.50/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Bristol grew 16.3% from $26.48/hr (2019) to $30.80/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.50/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem physical therapist assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bristol 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.
Working as an Hourly Physical Therapist Assistant in Bristol
As the demand for physical therapist assistants continues to grow, those taking on part-time roles can anticipate varied annual earnings. A PTA working 24 hours per week would bring home approximately $39,491 annually, a significant sum for part-time work. In contrast, per diem physical therapist assistant pay in Bristol ranges from $32 to $48 per hour, with travel PTA contracts documenting weekly earnings between $1,200 and $1,800. However, the market is influenced by factors such as the 15% Medicare cut that affected reimbursement rates for services rendered by PTAs, particularly in skilled nursing facilities. Hourly rates can diverge significantly across different employer types, with those at outpatient orthopedic clinics often commanding higher rates than those in hospital-inpatient rehab or school therapy programs. Negotiation is vital; PTAs should weigh the trade-offs between hourly pay and benefits like health insurance when considering job offers. Understanding the local employment landscape, including which employers may offer better overall compensation packages, can help aspiring PTAs make informed career decisions in Bristol.
More salary data for Bristol, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Bristol in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Bristol?
Are physical therapist assistants in Bristol paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Bristol?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Bristol?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Virginia
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.73% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for physical therapist assistants in Bristol. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bristol 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