Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in McLean, VA: $35.59 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in McLean, VA runs $35.59 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $74,024 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against McLean's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $34.48 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $44,411 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In McLean, Virginia, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay is projected to reach $35.59 in 2026, which is favorably higher than the national hourly median of $33.77. This hourly wage is beneficial for part-time employees who may work three days a week in outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, or during home health visits, allowing them to balance work with personal commitments while earning competitive compensation. The hourly range for this role in McLean varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting at around $24.79, and top earners potentially making up to $44.44. These figures reflect the estimated earnings based on projected annual salary data and indicate the financial potential for both full-time and per-diem physical therapist assistants in the area.
About the McLean 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) | $24.79 | $198.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.76 | $246.06 |
| Median (P50) | $35.59 | $284.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.12 | $320.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.44 | $355.53 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in McLean
Based on $35.59/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.59/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in McLean, VA can expect to earn approximately $74,018 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,703. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in McLean.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in McLean
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,423.43 | $6,168 | $74,018 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $854.06 | $3,701 | $44,411 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $569.37 | $2,467 | $29,607 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (McLean) | $35.59 |
| 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 McLean, VA earn a median of $74,024 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.38% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 2.10% below the Virginia state average of $75,612.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.59/hr = $44,411/year (purchasing power: $43,034).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $74,018/year (purchasing power: $71,723).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.78/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.64/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.59/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in McLean (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.78/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.28/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.99/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.80/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.46/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.06/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.64/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.59/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.56/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in McLean grew 16.3% from $29.78/hr (2019) to $34.64/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.56/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 McLean 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 McLean
Considering a 24-hour work week, a physical therapist assistant in McLean could earn about $43,353 annually if working part-time, with some opting for per-diem roles where pay rates fluctuate between $32 and $48 hourly. Travel contracts offer an enticing average of $1,200 to $1,800 per week, appealing to PTAs willing to work flexibly. Hourly compensation in McLean also varies depending on the facility; outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and pediatric therapy programs can have differing rates influenced by CMS regulations and the recent cuts in Medicare reimbursement for PTA services. Many choose to accept positions with lower hourly rates but offer health benefits, making it essential for PTAs to assess their priorities. When negotiating pay, local staffing shortages can be leveraged as a bargaining chip, especially considering the challenges caused by the 15% reimbursement cut impacting Medicare-dependent facilities. Understanding these dynamics will be crucial for prospective PTAs navigating their career paths in McLean, VA.
More salary data for McLean, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in McLean in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in McLean?
Are physical therapist assistants in McLean paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in McLean?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in McLean?
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 McLean. 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 McLean 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