Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Chesapeake, VA: $36.35 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Chesapeake, VA runs $36.35 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $75,593 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Chesapeake's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.22 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $45,360 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Chesapeake, Virginia, offers a median hourly pay of $36.35 for physical therapist assistants, surpassing the national median hourly rate of $33.77. This higher pay rate provides an attractive opportunity for both full-time and part-time workers in various settings, including outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health environments. For therapists working part-time, for instance three days a week, this hourly rate translates into more favorable earning conditions compared to many neighboring regions. Those in entry-level positions can expect to earn around $23.12 per hour, whereas seasoned professionals at the top of the scale can achieve rates up to $51.17 per hour. It's essential to remember that these hourly estimates are drawn from projected annual salary data, painting a broader picture of potential earnings within the field.
About the Chesapeake 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) | $23.12 | $185.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.09 | $256.74 |
| Median (P50) | $36.35 | $290.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43.85 | $350.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.17 | $409.36 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chesapeake
Based on $36.35/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.35/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chesapeake, VA can expect to earn approximately $75,599 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $43,615. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Chesapeake.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chesapeake
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,453.83 | $6,300 | $75,599 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $872.30 | $3,780 | $45,360 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $581.53 | $2,520 | $30,240 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Chesapeake) | $36.35 |
| 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 Chesapeake, VA earn a median of $75,593 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.61% higher than the national median of $70,247.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.35/hr = $45,360/year (purchasing power: $43,953).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $75,599/year (purchasing power: $73,255).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$30.42/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.38/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.35/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Chesapeake (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.42/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.93/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.65/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.48/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.16/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.86/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.38/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.35/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.34/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Chesapeake grew 16.3% from $30.42/hr (2019) to $35.38/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.34/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 Chesapeake 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 Chesapeake
When considering part-time employment, a physical therapist assistant working 24 hours a week in Chesapeake could take home roughly $45,000 per year, a figure that showcases a substantial but less-than-full-time income. For those who opt for per-diem or agency roles, the financial picture can change dramatically, especially when considering billing rates of $32-$48 per hour and weekly travel contracts that range from $1,200 to $1,800. However, the competitive landscape for skilled nursing facility positions may reflect lower pay rates due to recent Medicare cuts. Various employer types influence hourly rates significantly; outpatient orthopedic clinics may offer different compensation compared to hospital inpatient rehab or school therapy programs. It's also important for physical therapist assistants to weigh the benefits of higher hourly pay without health insurance against lower rates with benefits included. Negotiation strategies tailored to the Chesapeake market can also empower workers to secure better wages and more favorable working conditions. Understanding how these factors interact can guide PTAs in making informed career decisions in 2026 and beyond.
More salary data for Chesapeake, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Chesapeake in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Chesapeake?
Are physical therapist assistants in Chesapeake paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Chesapeake?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Chesapeake?
Related Pages
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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
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 Chesapeake. 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 Chesapeake 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