Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Bristol, VA: $65,809 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Bristol, VA earns a median $65,809/year (≈ $31.64/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Bristol's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $63,768 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 13.0% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, physical therapist assistants in Bristol, Virginia, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $65,809, which reflects a competitive compensation level against the national median of $70,247. The salary range in this region varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting at $48,919 and experienced professionals earning up to $81,387. Estimates for these figures are drawn from BLS state-level data, adjusted for regional cost factors. The local job market consists of just six employed physical therapist assistants, indicating a niche but focused demand for these skilled professionals in Bristol.
About the Bristol Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,919 | $23.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58,894 | $28.31 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $65,809 | $31.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74,146 | $35.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81,387 | $39.13 |
Median Salary Position
6.32% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bristol
In Bristol, VA, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $32,468 (2026 est.). At $65,809, the local median is 6.32% below the national median of $70,247.
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At 40 hours/week in Bristol: You'd be above the median
How Bristol Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Bristol median: $65,809/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bristol Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $75,642 | -13.00% less |
| National Average | $70,247 | -6.32% less |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Bristol, VA earn a median of $65,809 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.32% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 13.00% below the Virginia state average of $75,642.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bristol has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bristol, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $65,809 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $63,768 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$55,076
2025 BLS Actual
$64,060
2026 Current Est.
$65,809
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Bristol (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,076 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,994 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,315 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,804 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,032 | Actual |
| 2024 | $65,498 | Actual |
| 2025 | $64,060 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,809 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,605 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bristol metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $55,076 (2019) to $64,060 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $67,605 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,529 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bristol 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) | $48,919 – $58,894 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $58,894 – $65,809 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $65,809 – $74,146 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $74,146 – $81,387 |
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 Bristol
The cost of living in Bristol, with an index of 103.2, slightly exceeds the national average, which impacts the purchasing power of these salaries. Among local employers, outpatient orthopedic clinics typically offer higher pay compared to skilled nursing facilities, which often suffer from budget constraints exacerbated by the 15% Medicare cut affecting PTA reimbursement rates. This disparity can influence overall compensation significantly, as settings that rely heavily on Medicare tend to compress pay rates. To maximize earnings, physical therapist assistants in Bristol might consider seeking positions in outpatient environments or top-tier rehab centers, where productivity expectations are higher and weekend or PRN options can provide additional income streams. Ultimately, understanding local market dynamics and navigating job opportunities tailored to these conditions can provide meaningful advantages for those entering or advancing in the field.
More salary data for Bristol, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can physical therapist assistants make $100K in Bristol?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted physical therapist assistant salary in Bristol?
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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 $64,060 for physical therapist assistantsin the Bristol 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 Bristol 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