Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Norfolk, VA: $36.75 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Norfolk, VA runs $36.75 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $76,425 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Norfolk's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.61 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $45,860 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Norfolk, Virginia, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay reaches a median of $36.75, significantly above the national median hourly rate of $33.77. This competitive pay reflects the cost of living adjustments in the area. With such an hourly wage, part-time employees working three days a week can find a suitable living or supplemental income, especially in facilities like outpatient clinics, skilled nursing homes, and home health settings, where flexibility is common. For entry-level positions, hourly compensation ranges from about $23.85, while experienced professionals can earn as much as $50.23. This broad spectrum illustrates the potential for growth and earning power based on skill and experience in the local market.
About the Norfolk 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) | $23.85 | $190.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.77 | $246.14 |
| Median (P50) | $36.75 | $293.97 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43.33 | $346.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.23 | $401.88 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Norfolk
Based on $36.75/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.75/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Norfolk, VA can expect to earn approximately $76,433 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,096. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Norfolk.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Norfolk
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,469.86 | $6,369 | $76,433 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $881.92 | $3,822 | $45,860 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $587.94 | $2,548 | $30,573 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Norfolk) | $36.75 |
| 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 Norfolk, VA earn a median of $76,425 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.79% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 1.10% above the Virginia state average of $75,593.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.75/hr = $45,860/year (purchasing power: $44,438).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $76,433/year (purchasing power: $74,063).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$30.75/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.77/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.75/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Norfolk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.75/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.27/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.00/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.84/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.52/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.23/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.77/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.75/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.75/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Norfolk grew 16.3% from $30.75/hr (2019) to $35.77/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.75/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 Norfolk 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 Norfolk
For a physical therapist assistant working 24 hours a week, annual take-home pay can add up to around $46,440, providing a solid income for those not pursuing full-time hours. Per diem physical therapist assistant pay in Norfolk typically ranges from $32 to $48 per hour, with agency contracts offering higher rates between $1,200 and $1,800 weekly, although skilled nursing facility positions may see a decline in pay due to the 2022 Medicare cuts. The hourly compensation can vary widely depending on the employer type—outpatient orthopedic clinics often provide a higher rate compared to hospital settings or school therapy programs. Many choose to accept lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance, particularly in full-time roles. When negotiating pay, it’s crucial to consider all factors, including potential reimbursement and benefit packages, to make the most informed decision for your career in the growing field of physical therapy.
More salary data for Norfolk, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Norfolk in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Norfolk?
Are physical therapist assistants in Norfolk paid hourly or salary?
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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 Norfolk. 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 Norfolk 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