Fairfax vs Virginia Beach: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Fairfax, VA and Virginia Beach, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fairfax, VA | Virginia Beach, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $100,166 | $103,321▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $48.16 | $49.67▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,349▲ | $69,314 |
| 25th Percentile | $84,972▲ | $83,536 |
| 75th Percentile | $114,611 | $119,581▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $123,305 | $131,302▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 1,470▲ |
Verdict
Virginia Beach, VA offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fairfax.
The salary gap between Fairfax and Virginia Beach is $3,155 (3.15%). Virginia Beach's median is -1.87% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fairfax spans $44,956,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, Virginia Beach ($105,493 effective) pays 8.69% more than Fairfax ($97,060 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fairfax if…
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Virginia Beach if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($103,321/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($131,302)
- ✓Larger job market (1,470 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,493)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Fairfax grew 4.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 14.8% growth in Virginia Beach over the same period.
Fairfax, VA
$93,599 (2024) → $97,761 (2025)
Virginia Beach, VA
$87,870 (2019) → $100,840 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fairfax, VA
Virginia Beach, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Fairfax or Virginia Beach?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fairfax and Virginia Beach?
Should I relocate from Fairfax to Virginia Beach as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Fairfax 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