Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Alexandria, VA: $80,258 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Alexandria, VA earns a median $80,258/year (≈ $38.59/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Alexandria's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $77,769 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.1% above the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the physical therapist assistant salary in Alexandria, Virginia, is projected to reach a median of $80,258, significantly higher than the national median of $70,247, representing a 14.25% premium. The salary range for this profession in Alexandria varies widely, from $57,237 at the 10th percentile to $107,756 at the 90th percentile, which reflects the ongoing impact of the recent Medicare reimbursement cuts. These cuts have particularly affected the outpatient and skilled nursing facility sectors, with the outpatient market adapting more dynamically than skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). This shift in reimbursement structures is crucial as it continues to shape the job opportunities and salary potential for physical therapist assistants in the Alexandria area.
About the Alexandria Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,237 | $27.52 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $70,720 | $34.00 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $80,258 | $38.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $94,164 | $45.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $107,756 | $51.81 |
Median Salary Position
14.25% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Alexandria
In Alexandria, VA, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $50,519 (2026 est.). At $80,258, the local median is 14.25% above the national median of $70,247.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Alexandria: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Alexandria Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Alexandria median: $80,258/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Alexandria Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $75,644 | +6.10% more |
| National Average | $70,247 | +14.25% more |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Alexandria, VA earn a median of $80,258 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.25% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 6.10% above the Virginia state average of $75,644.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Alexandria has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Alexandria, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $80,258 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $77,769 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$67,168
2025 BLS Actual
$78,125
2026 Current Est.
$80,258
2019–2027 Growth
+22.8%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Alexandria (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $67,168 | Actual |
| 2020 | $68,288 | Actual |
| 2021 | $69,899 | Actual |
| 2022 | $71,716 | Actual |
| 2023 | $73,212 | Actual |
| 2024 | $68,213 | Actual |
| 2025 | $78,125 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80,258 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $82,449 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Alexandria metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $67,168 (2019) to $78,125 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $82,449 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,281 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Alexandria 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $57,237 – $70,720 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $70,720 – $80,258 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $80,258 – $94,164 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $94,164 – $107,756 |
PTA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Assistant Job Market in Alexandria
Currently, 26 physical therapist assistants are employed in Alexandria, VA, showcasing a relatively stable local job market for this profession. The cost of living index in the city stands at 103.2, indicating that while incomes are higher than the national average, they must also cover elevated living expenses. Among local employers, outpatient orthopedic clinics and hospital inpatient rehabilitation facilities tend to offer the most competitive pay, whereas SNFs have been impacted by the Medicare 15% cut, reducing their staffing budgets and decreasing PTA wages. This discrepancy in salaries often stems from varied productivity expectations and requirements placed on PTAs, including weekend duties or additional supervision tasks. To maximize their earnings in Alexandria, aspiring physical therapist assistants should target roles in higher-paying settings, stay informed about local market conditions, and consider advanced educational pathways, such as bridging to a DPT, which can enhance their professional opportunities.
More salary data for Alexandria, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapist assistants make in Alexandria, VA in 2026?
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Can physical therapist assistants make $100K in Alexandria?
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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
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. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $78,125 for physical therapist assistantsin the Alexandria metropolitan area. A 2.73% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Alexandria 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