Senior Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Hampton, VA: $101,211 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physical therapist assistants working in Hampton, VA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $101,211/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-2021. Strip back Hampton's price premium (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $98,073 in average-cost America. The 34% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, experienced physical therapist assistants in Hampton, Virginia, can expect to see median annual salaries around $75,530, with top earners potentially making as much as $101,211. This represents a significant income advantage for senior professionals who have honed their skills over seven or more years. Compared to the national median of $70,247, the top physical therapist assistant salary in Hampton is higher by approximately 7.52%. Achieving this level of pay requires not only extensive experience but also advanced expertise in high-demand specializations and possibly leadership roles within their organizations, making strategic career moves critical for elevating compensation.
About the Hampton Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hampton
Experienced physical therapist assistants at the top of the pay scale in Hampton earn between $89,995 and $101,211 per year (2026 est.). This $47,574 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Hampton median of $75,530 sits 7.52% above the US median.
Top PTA Salary Comparison
| Level | Hampton | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $75,530 | $70,247 |
| 75th Percentile | $89,995 | $80,828 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $101,211 | $91,954 |
In Hampton, experienced physical therapist assistants (P90) earn 34.00% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physical Therapist Assistant Pay in Hampton
Advanced Certifications in Virginia
VA physical therapist assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physical therapy field earn significantly above the $75,530 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Hampton employers.
Specialty Focus
Physical Therapist Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physical therapy field in Hampton command premium compensation, often reaching the $89,995–$101,211 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Hampton metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced physical therapist assistants who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured physical therapist assistants in Hampton with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Physical Therapist Assistants in Virginia who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Physical Therapist Assistant Career & Wage Growth Path in Hampton
Clinical Physical Therapist Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physical Therapist Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysical Therapist Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedHampton ranks #7 of 42 Virginia cities for top earner physical therapist assistant salary (90th percentile: $101,211).
Top 10% physical therapist assistant compensation in Hampton ($101,211) is 13.16% above the Virginia average P90 ($89,441).
2019 BLS Actual
$88,978
2025 BLS Actual
$98,521
2026 Current Est.
$101,211
2019–2027 Growth
+16.9%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Hampton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $88,978 | Actual |
| 2020 | $90,772 | Actual |
| 2021 | $88,241 | Actual |
| 2022 | $93,810 | Actual |
| 2023 | $97,773 | Actual |
| 2024 | $93,157 | Actual |
| 2025 | $98,521 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $101,211 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $103,974 | Projected |
Top-earning physical therapist assistants (90th percentile) in Hampton saw their compensation grow 10.7% from $88,978 in 2019 to $98,521 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.73% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $103,974 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hampton 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.
Maximizing Your Physical Therapist Assistant Earnings in Hampton
The Hampton area presents unique compensation opportunities, particularly for those specializing in fields like orthopedic therapy, geriatric rehabilitation, pediatric care, and sports medicine. Senior physical therapist assistant pay in VA can vary considerably by employer type, with outpatient orthopedic clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and hospital inpatient rehab often offering different compensation structures. Advancement paths lead to positions such as clinical operations supervisor or regional clinical educator roles, which can further enhance earning potential. While an associate's degree and state licensure are fundamental, advanced credentials can also elevate status and pay, helping professionals combat effects such as the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut on PTA services. Ultimately, for experienced PTAs, understanding these dynamics is vital for maximizing their earnings in a competitive landscape.
More salary data for Hampton, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physical therapist assistants make in Hampton in 2026?
What drives higher physical therapist assistant pay in Hampton?
What certifications boost physical therapist assistant salary in Hampton?
Can experienced physical therapist assistants make six figures in Hampton?
How much does physical therapist assistant salary increase over time in Hampton?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Virginia
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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $98,521 for physical therapist assistants in the Hampton metro area. A 2.73% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Hampton 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