Charlottesville vs Virginia Beach: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Charlottesville, VA and Virginia Beach, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charlottesville, VA | Virginia Beach, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $104,919▲ | $103,321 |
| Hourly Rate | $50.44▲ | $49.67 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,236▲ | $69,314 |
| 25th Percentile | $89,806▲ | $83,536 |
| 75th Percentile | $135,298▲ | $119,581 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $135,298▲ | $131,302 |
| Total Employed | 260 | 1,470▲ |
Verdict
Charlottesville, VA offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Virginia Beach.
The salary gap between Charlottesville and Virginia Beach is $1,598 (1.55%). Charlottesville's median is -0.35% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charlottesville spans $55,062,Virginia Beach spans $61,988. Virginia Beach has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Charlottesville ($105,823 effective) pays 0.31% more than Virginia Beach ($105,493 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Charlottesville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($104,919/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($135,298)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,823)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Virginia Beach if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,470 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Charlottesville grew 11.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 14.8% growth in Virginia Beach over the same period.
Charlottesville, VA
$91,480 (2019) → $102,400 (2025)
Virginia Beach, VA
$87,870 (2019) → $100,840 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charlottesville, VA
Virginia Beach, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Charlottesville or Virginia Beach?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charlottesville and Virginia Beach?
Should I relocate from Charlottesville to Virginia Beach as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Charlottesville vs Virginia Beach?
Related Comparisons
Written by Alex Morgan, DPT
Career Analyst
Alex Morgan has over 10 years of experience in physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Alex works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.46% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov