Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Falls Church, VA: $69,722 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Falls Church, VA earns a median $69,722/year (≈ $33.52/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Falls Church's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $67,560 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.8% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Falls Church, Virginia, physical therapist assistant salaries are projected to average $69,722 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $70,247. This local estimate derives from BLS state-level data, reflecting the specific economic conditions of the region. Salaries range from $52,768 at the 10th percentile to $85,041 at the 90th percentile, showcasing the diverse opportunities available for PTAs in this market. With productivity expectations high, the number of patient visits per day significantly affects total compensation, making an understanding of local demands crucial for both new and seasoned professionals. The job market for physical therapist assistants in Falls Church allows for a relatively competitive income, indirectly influenced by the area's skilled workforce and healthcare needs.
About the Falls Church Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,768 | $25.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $63,079 | $30.33 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $69,722 | $33.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77,615 | $37.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $85,041 | $40.89 |
Median Salary Position
0.75% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Falls Church
In Falls Church, VA, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $32,273 (2026 est.). At $69,722, the local median is 0.75% below the national median of $70,247.
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At 40 hours/week in Falls Church: You'd be above the median
How Falls Church Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Falls Church median: $69,722/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Falls Church Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $75,620 | -7.80% less |
| National Average | $70,247 | -0.75% less |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Falls Church, VA earn a median of $69,722 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.75% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 7.80% below the Virginia state average of $75,620.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Falls Church has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Falls Church, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $69,722 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $67,560 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$58,351
2025 BLS Actual
$67,869
2026 Current Est.
$69,722
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Falls Church (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,351 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,323 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,723 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,301 | Actual |
| 2023 | $63,601 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,804 | Actual |
| 2025 | $67,869 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69,722 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71,625 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Falls Church metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $58,351 (2019) to $67,869 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $71,625 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,274 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Falls Church 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) | $52,768 – $63,079 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $63,079 – $69,722 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $69,722 – $77,615 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $77,615 – $85,041 |
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 Falls Church
Despite only employing five physical therapist assistants in Falls Church, the market remains robust, given the area's cost of living index of 103.2. This number indicates that while salaries are competitive, the living expenses might exert pressure on overall purchasing power. Outpatient orthopedic clinics typically compensate the highest among employment settings in Falls Church, followed by skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehabilitation. Disparities in pay are influenced by varying productivity expectations, the impact of the recent Medicare 15% cut for PTA services, and the difference in settings, where hospitals often offer better pay compared to outpatient clinics. To maximize earnings in this environment, professionals should seek opportunities at outpatient facilities, focus on improving productivity, and possibly consider supervisory roles, all of which can enhance take-home pay in a dynamic and evolving job market.
More salary data for Falls Church, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $67,869 for physical therapist assistantsin the Falls Church 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 Falls Church 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