Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in McLean, VA: $74,024 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in McLean, VA earns a median $74,024/year (≈ $35.59/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in McLean's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $71,729 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.1% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the financial outlook for physical therapist assistants in McLean, Virginia, is shaped by a median annual salary of $74,024, surpassing the national median of $70,247 by a notable 5.38%. The salary spectrum ranges from $51,566 at the lower end (P10) to $92,446 at the higher end (P90), indicating a diverse job market that rewards experience and specialty. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data and reflect adjustments for local cost-of-living factors, positioning McLean as a competitive area for physical therapist assistant pay in Virginia. With the job market growing moderately, professionals here can anticipate opportunities that not only match but may exceed their counterparts in many regions.
About the McLean Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,566 | $24.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $63,973 | $30.76 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $74,024 | $35.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83,435 | $40.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $92,446 | $44.44 |
Median Salary Position
5.38% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in McLean
In McLean, VA, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $40,880 (2026 est.). At $74,024, the local median is 5.38% above the national median of $70,247.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in McLean: You'd be above the median
How McLean Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
McLean median: $74,024/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | McLean Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $75,612 | -2.10% less |
| National Average | $70,247 | +5.38% more |
Physical Therapist Assistants in McLean, VA earn a median of $74,024 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.38% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 2.10% below the Virginia state average of $75,612.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
McLean has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
McLean, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $74,024 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $71,729 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$61,951
2025 BLS Actual
$72,057
2026 Current Est.
$74,024
2019–2027 Growth
+22.8%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in McLean (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,951 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,984 | Actual |
| 2021 | $64,470 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,145 | Actual |
| 2023 | $67,526 | Actual |
| 2024 | $66,679 | Actual |
| 2025 | $72,057 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $74,024 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $76,045 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the McLean metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $61,951 (2019) to $72,057 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $76,045 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,094 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the McLean 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) | $51,566 – $63,973 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $63,973 – $74,024 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $74,024 – $83,435 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $83,435 – $92,446 |
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 McLean
The job market for physical therapist assistants in McLean currently employs 11 professionals, a relatively small but stable workforce. The area's cost of living index stands at 103.2, which can slightly dilute take-home pay when comparing real-world earnings to national standards. Employers in outpatient orthopedic clinics typically offer the most competitive salaries, followed by skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehabilitation settings. Variations in compensation often stem from the work environments, with hospital-based positions generally providing higher pay, in part due to stricter productivity expectations and the requirement for supervision by licensed physical therapists. Strategies for maximizing pay in McLean include seeking employment in settings less affected by Medicare cuts and considering PRN or weekend work to capitalize on premium rates. Staying informed about local market trends and pursuing additional certifications can also enhance earning potential in this evolving health sector.
More salary data for McLean, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapist assistants make in McLean, VA in 2026?
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Can physical therapist assistants make $100K in McLean?
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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 $72,057 for physical therapist assistantsin the McLean 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 McLean 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