Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Roanoke, VA: $68,973 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Roanoke, VA earns a median $68,973/year (≈ $33.16/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Roanoke's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.6), that paycheck buys what $73,675 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 8.8% below the Virginia state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, physical therapist assistants in Roanoke, Virginia, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $68,973, slightly below the national median of $70,247. With salaries ranging from $50,348 at the lower end to $83,571 at the upper echelon, there are many opportunities for growth within this profession. This salary information, derived from the official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) surveys, highlights not only the earning potential in Roanoke but also emphasizes the importance of further education. Many PTAs take the path towards becoming Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) professionals, significantly enhancing their lifetime earning potential and career mobility. With 130 PTAs currently employed in the area, Roanoke presents a vibrant job market for those entering this field.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,348 | $24.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $59,224 | $28.48 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $68,973 | $33.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76,616 | $36.84 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $83,571 | $40.18 |
Median Salary Position
1.81% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Roanoke
In Roanoke, VA, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $33,223 (2026 est.). At $68,973, the local median is 1.81% below the national median of $70,247.
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At 40 hours/week in Roanoke: You'd be above the median
How Roanoke Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Roanoke median: $68,973/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Roanoke Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $75,628 | -8.80% less |
| National Average | $70,247 | -1.81% less |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Roanoke, VA earn a median of $68,973 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.81% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 8.80% below the Virginia state average of $75,628.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Roanoke has a cost of living 6.38% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Roanoke, VA has a cost-of-living index of 93.618 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist assistant earning $68,973 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $73,675 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.82% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$66,890
2025 BLS Actual
$67,140
2026 Current Est.
$68,973
2019–2027 Growth
+5.9%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Roanoke (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $66,890 | Actual |
| 2020 | $67,970 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,870 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,470 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,110 | Actual |
| 2024 | $68,290 | Actual |
| 2025 | $67,140 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68,973 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70,856 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Roanoke metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 0.4% from $66,890 (2019) to $67,140 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $70,856 by 2027 — a total increase of $3,966 (5.93%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Roanoke 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) | $50,348 – $59,224 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $59,224 – $68,973 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $68,973 – $76,616 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $76,616 – $83,571 |
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 Roanoke
The job market for physical therapist assistants in Roanoke is influenced by a relatively low cost-of-living index of 93.618, which indicates that the earnings may stretch further for residents compared to higher-cost regions. Local employers paying the highest salaries include outpatient orthopedic clinics and skilled nursing facilities, although the latter have faced financial pressures due to the 15% Medicare cut instituted in 2022, resulting in tighter budgets and potentially lower pay. Factors contributing to the disparity in compensation include specific work settings, varying productivity expectations, and the nature of supervisory requirements mandated by both state law and Medicare. For those looking to maximize their pay in Roanoke, pursuing additional certifications, considering the PTA-to-DPT bridge program, and seeking employment in high-demand areas like outpatient care can provide a competitive edge in their career progression.
More salary data for Roanoke, 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 $67,140 for physical therapist assistantsin the Roanoke 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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