Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Herndon, VA: $34.05 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Herndon, VA runs $34.05 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $70,830 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Herndon's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $33.00 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,501 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the median hourly pay for physical therapist assistants in Herndon, VA, is projected to be $34.05, slightly above the national median of $33.77. This robust hourly rate offers a compelling incentive for various work arrangements, including part-time roles and per-diem positions typically found in settings such as outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health visits. With an hourly range from the entry-level rate of $26.52 to the top earners at $40.50, physical therapist assistants in Herndon have the flexibility to structure their work according to their lifestyle needs. These hourly estimates, based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, reflect not only local economic conditions but also the high demand for PTAs as healthcare shifts focus to outpatient and in-home care modalities.
About the Herndon 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) | $26.52 | $212.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.47 | $251.73 |
| Median (P50) | $34.05 | $272.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.27 | $298.16 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.50 | $323.97 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Herndon
Based on $34.05/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.05/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Herndon, VA can expect to earn approximately $70,834 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,866. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Herndon.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Herndon
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,362.20 | $5,903 | $70,834 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $817.32 | $3,542 | $42,501 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $544.88 | $2,361 | $28,334 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Herndon) | $34.05 |
| 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 Herndon, VA earn a median of $70,830 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.83% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 6.30% below the Virginia state average of $75,593.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.05/hr = $42,501/year (purchasing power: $41,183).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $70,834/year (purchasing power: $68,638).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.50/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.15/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.05/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Herndon (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.50/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.98/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.66/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.43/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.07/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.67/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.15/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.05/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.98/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Herndon grew 16.3% from $28.50/hr (2019) to $33.15/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.98/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 Herndon 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 Herndon
Considering part-time work as a physical therapist assistant, a typical schedule of three days a week, or 24 hours, could yield an annual income of around $42,187, demonstrating a significant earning potential for those not seeking full-time commitments. Many PTAs also turn to per-diem roles, where pay can range from $32 to $48 per hour, and travel PTA contracts in Herndon can command weekly rates between $1,200 and $1,800. However, compensation varies significantly depending on the employer type; outpatient orthopedic clinics often offer competitive rates compared to home health agencies or skilled nursing facilities, where the 15% Medicare cut effective since 2022 has adversely impacted hourly wages. Low hourly rates in SNFs might lead some PTAs to seek higher compensation elsewhere, potentially sacrificing benefits like health insurance. When negotiating salaries, it’s critical to assess these trade-offs, particularly in a location like Herndon with its mix of private and chain clinics, ensuring that each physical therapist assistant can find the balance that meets their career and personal needs.
More salary data for Herndon, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Herndon in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Herndon?
Are physical therapist assistants in Herndon paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Herndon?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Herndon?
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 Herndon. 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 Herndon 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