Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Radford, VA: $36.68 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Radford, VA runs $36.68 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $76,304 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Radford's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.55 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $45,783 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Physical Therapist Assistants in Radford, Virginia, are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $36.68 in 2026, which surpasses the national hourly median of $33.77. This competitive rate positions Radford PTAs favorably, especially for those considering part-time work or per-diem positions. For example, a part-time PTA working three days a week can expect to receive a substantial paycheck while enjoying a flexible schedule, making the profession appealing in various settings such as outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, and home health visits. The hourly pay range for PTAs in Radford extends from $26.76 at the lower end to $43.81 at the higher end, providing a spectrum of earning potential based on experience, employer type, and work environment.
About the Radford 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) | $26.76 | $214.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.02 | $272.19 |
| Median (P50) | $36.68 | $293.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.26 | $322.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.81 | $350.51 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Radford
Based on $36.68/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.68/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Radford, VA can expect to earn approximately $76,305 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,022. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Radford.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Radford
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,467.40 | $6,359 | $76,305 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $880.44 | $3,815 | $45,783 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $586.96 | $2,543 | $30,522 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Radford) | $36.68 |
| 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 Radford, VA earn a median of $76,304 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.62% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 0.90% above the Virginia state average of $75,623.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.68/hr = $45,783/year (purchasing power: $44,363).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $76,305/year (purchasing power: $73,939).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$30.70/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.71/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.68/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Radford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.70/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.21/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.95/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.78/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.46/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.32/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.71/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.68/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.69/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Radford grew 16.3% from $30.70/hr (2019) to $35.71/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.69/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 Radford 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 Radford
Examining the financial landscape for PTAs reveals intriguing opportunities and choices. A part-time PTA working 24 hours weekly can earn $45,925 annually, providing a strong supplement for those balancing other commitments or studies. Meanwhile, per diem PTAs typically bill $32 to $48 per hour, with travel contracts offering even higher weekly earnings, ranging from $1,200 to $1,800. However, the realities of agency work, particularly in skilled nursing facilities, may result in diminished pay due to the 15% Medicare cut that took effect in 2022. Additionally, hourly rates may vary significantly based on employer types; those in outpatient orthopedic settings may command higher wages compared to home health agencies or schools. Many PTAs face the decision of accepting lower hourly rates for full-time work with benefits versus opting for higher pay with fewer perks. For those navigating the job market in Radford, understanding these dynamics and negotiating effectively is essential for maximizing one’s physical therapist assistant hourly pay.
More salary data for Radford, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Radford in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Radford?
Are physical therapist assistants in Radford paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Radford?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Radford?
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 Radford. 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 Radford 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