Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in District of Columbia: $80,941 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across District of Columbia's 1 metropolitan areas, the average median physical therapist assistant pay sits at $80,941/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 31-2021. Because District of Columbia sits at BEA RPP 117.0 (17% above the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $69,180 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Washington ($78,790).
In 2026, physical therapist assistants in the District of Columbia are projected to earn an average median salary of $80,941, significantly higher than the national median of $70,247. This results in a salary that is 15.2% above the national average, reflecting the higher cost of living and specific demand for healthcare services in the District. Notably, Washington is both the highest and lowest paying city in the state, with salaries consistently at $80,941. This uniformity in pay can be attributed to the centralized nature of the job market within the District, alongside a limited number of employers. The District has state-specific licensing requirements and scope of practice laws that may influence job opportunities and salaries. With a projected 2.73% annual growth rate, the field is expected to expand, driven by an aging population and the increasing need for rehabilitation services. As of now, there are approximately 1,340 physical therapist assistants employed in the District, indicating steady demand. Overall, the job market for physical therapist assistants in the District of Columbia appears to be favorable, presenting a solid outlook for individuals considering a career in this field.
District of Columbia Physical Therapist Assistant Salary Range
Overall salary range in District of Columbia: $52,300 (lowest entry-level) to $106,367 (highest top earner)
District of Columbia vs National Average
District of Columbia physical therapist assistants earn 15.22% more than the national median (+$10,694/year difference).
District of Columbia Physical Therapist Assistant Salary Distribution (2026)
Physical Therapist Assistant salaries in District of Columbia range from $52,300 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $106,367 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $80,941. The District of Columbia median is $10,694 above the US national median of $70,247. The average hourly rate is $38.91/hr. Approximately 1,340 physical therapist assistants are employed across 1 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$55,620
2025 BLS Actual
$78,790
2026 Current Est.
$80,941
2019–2027 Growth
+49.5%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in District of Columbia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,620 | Actual |
| 2020 | $54,110 | Actual |
| 2021 | $63,020 | Actual |
| 2022 | $70,740 | Actual |
| 2023 | $75,610 | Actual |
| 2024 | $76,270 | Actual |
| 2025 | $78,790 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80,941 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $83,151 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the District of Columbia metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 41.7% from $55,620 (2019) to $78,790 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $83,151 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,531 (49.50%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the District of Columbia 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.
Top 1 Highest Paying Cities in District of Columbia
Salary by Experience Level in District of Columbia
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $52,300 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $80,941 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $106,367 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across District of Columbia metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 1 Cities in District of Columbia
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Washington | $80,941 |
More District of Columbia Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore physical therapist assistant hourly pay in District of Columbia cities.
Explore More Physical Therapist Assistant Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapist assistants make in District of Columbia in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for physical therapist assistants in District of Columbia?
How does District of Columbia physical therapist assistant pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level physical therapist assistant salary in District of Columbia?
How many physical therapist assistants are employed in District of Columbia?
Which District of Columbia city offers the best value for physical therapist assistants?
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
Statewide salary 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 each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 physical therapist assistant compensation across District of Columbia. State averages are employment-weighted across 1 metro areas — larger metro areas with more physical therapist assistantscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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