Senior Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Richmond, VA: $85,358 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physical therapist assistants working in Richmond, VA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $85,358/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-2021. Strip back Richmond's price premium (BEA RPP 97.9, 2% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $87,226 in average-cost America. The 13% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
Salaries for experienced physical therapist assistants in Richmond, Virginia, are quite competitive, with the top earners in 2026 poised to make a significant impact on the market. The top physical therapist assistant salary in Richmond is projected at $85,358, a notable figure that positions this city well above the national top earners. Those in the senior bracket can expect an impressive median annual salary of $75,650, showcasing the substantial experience premium associated with advanced roles. To reach this level of compensation, professionals must dedicate over seven years to their practice, seek specialized training, and often take on leadership roles that necessitate ongoing education and mentorship.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Richmond
Experienced physical therapist assistants at the top of the pay scale in Richmond earn between $81,866 and $85,358 per year (2026 est.). This $29,011 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Richmond median of $75,650 sits 7.69% above the US median.
Top PTA Salary Comparison
| Level | Richmond | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $75,650 | $70,247 |
| 75th Percentile | $81,866 | $80,828 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $85,358 | $91,954 |
In Richmond, experienced physical therapist assistants (P90) earn 12.83% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physical Therapist Assistant Pay in Richmond
Advanced Certifications in Virginia
VA physical therapist assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physical therapy field earn significantly above the $75,650 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Richmond employers.
Specialty Focus
Physical Therapist Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physical therapy field in Richmond command premium compensation, often reaching the $81,866–$85,358 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Richmond metro area, which is a large PTA employment market, 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 Richmond with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this competitive 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 Richmond
Clinical Physical Therapist Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physical Therapist Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysical Therapist Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedRichmond ranks #37 of 42 Virginia cities for top earner physical therapist assistant salary (90th percentile: $85,358).
Top 10% physical therapist assistant compensation in Richmond ($85,358) is 4.56% below the Virginia average P90 ($89,441).
2019 BLS Actual
$90,450
2025 BLS Actual
$83,090
2026 Current Est.
$85,358
2019–2027 Growth
+-3.1%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Richmond (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $90,450 | Actual |
| 2020 | $88,870 | Actual |
| 2021 | $80,880 | Actual |
| 2022 | $92,630 | Actual |
| 2023 | $98,690 | Actual |
| 2024 | $97,860 | Actual |
| 2025 | $83,090 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $85,358 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87,689 | Projected |
Top-earning physical therapist assistants (90th percentile) in Richmond saw their compensation grow -8.1% from $90,450 in 2019 to $83,090 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 $87,689 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Richmond 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 Richmond
Richmond’s compensation landscape for senior physical therapist assistants is influenced by various factors, particularly specialization. Areas such as orthopedic, geriatric, sports medicine, and pediatric therapy can yield greater financial rewards. Compensation varies across employer types, with experienced PTAs in outpatient orthopedic clinics often receiving higher salaries compared to those working in skilled nursing facilities, especially given the impact of the 15% Medicare cut on reimbursement rates in environments heavily reliant on Medicare funding. Advancement opportunities abound for seasoned practitioners, with pathways available to roles like lead PTA or PTA program faculty, or transitioning from PTA to a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) through bridge programs. Credentials that elevate potential earnings include obtaining advanced proficiency through the APTA and maintaining a state PTA license, which remain critical in this competitive field in VA. Employers may also offer non-salary compensation that reflects setting-based productivity expectations, which can significantly influence overall earnings.
More salary data for Richmond, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physical therapist assistants make in Richmond in 2026?
What drives higher physical therapist assistant pay in Richmond?
What certifications boost physical therapist assistant salary in Richmond?
Can experienced physical therapist assistants make six figures in Richmond?
How much does physical therapist assistant salary increase over time in Richmond?
Related Pages
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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
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 $83,090 for physical therapist assistants in the Richmond 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
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