Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Herndon, VA: $70,830 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Herndon, VA earns a median $70,830/year (≈ $34.05/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Herndon's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $68,634 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.3% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the expected compensation for physical therapist assistants in Herndon, Virginia, is projected to reach a median annual salary of $70,830, slightly above the national median of $70,247. The salary spectrum in the area spans from $55,179 at the ten percentile level to approximately $84,241 at the ninety percentile, reflecting the diverse roles and responsibilities that physical therapist assistants undertake. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for local economic conditions, illustrate how productivity expectations and visits-per-day can significantly influence overall earnings. With a robust job market in Herndon, opportunities for growth in this field remain promising, particularly as demand continues to rise amid evolving healthcare needs.
About the Herndon Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,179 | $26.52 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $65,450 | $31.47 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $70,830 | $34.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77,517 | $37.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $84,241 | $40.50 |
Median Salary Position
0.83% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Herndon
In Herndon, VA, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $29,062 (2026 est.). At $70,830, the local median is 0.83% above the national median of $70,247.
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At 40 hours/week in Herndon: You'd be above the median
How Herndon Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Herndon median: $70,830/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Herndon Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $75,593 | -6.30% less |
| National Average | $70,247 | +0.83% more |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Herndon, VA earn a median of $70,830 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.83% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 6.30% below the Virginia state average of $75,593.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Herndon has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Herndon, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $70,830 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $68,634 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$59,278
2025 BLS Actual
$68,948
2026 Current Est.
$70,830
2019–2027 Growth
+22.8%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Herndon (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,278 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,266 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,688 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,291 | Actual |
| 2023 | $64,612 | Actual |
| 2024 | $63,802 | Actual |
| 2025 | $68,948 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70,830 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72,764 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Herndon metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $59,278 (2019) to $68,948 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $72,764 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,486 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Herndon 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) | $55,179 – $65,450 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $65,450 – $70,830 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $70,830 – $77,517 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $77,517 – $84,241 |
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 Herndon
The local labor market currently employs five physical therapist assistants, indicating a niche but vital demand within Herndon. The cost of living index sitting at 103.2 suggests that the area's expenses are slightly above the national average, impacting the overall purchasing power and compensation strategies for PTAs. High-paying opportunities often arise in outpatient orthopedic clinics and hospital inpatient rehabilitation settings, where productivity is essential, compared to skilled nursing facilities that may have been affected by the Medicare reimbursement cuts. The variance in salary ranges can stem from factors such as the setting, with the potential for higher earnings linked to weekend shifts and additional supervisory responsibilities. To maximize earning potential in Herndon, physical therapist assistants should consider pursuing further education or specializations, such as transitioning to a Doctor of Physical Therapy program or exploring roles that allow for greater productivity and varied services.
More salary data for Herndon, 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 $68,948 for physical therapist assistantsin the Herndon 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 Herndon 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