Reston vs Richmond: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Reston, VA and Richmond, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Reston, VA | Richmond, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $102,602 | $105,226▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $49.32 | $50.58▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,498 | $79,786▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $87,117▲ | $85,954 |
| 75th Percentile | $121,728▲ | $121,282 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $134,908▲ | $128,987 |
| Total Employed | 16 | 1,300▲ |
Verdict
Richmond, VA offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Reston.
The salary gap between Reston and Richmond is $2,624 (2.56%). Richmond's median is -0.06% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Reston spans $55,410,Richmond spans $49,201. Reston has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Richmond ($107,529 effective) pays 8.16% more than Reston ($99,421 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Reston if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($134,908)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Richmond if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($105,226/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,300 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $107,529)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Reston grew 4.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 6.0% growth in Richmond over the same period.
Reston, VA
$95,875 (2024) → $100,139 (2025)
Richmond, VA
$96,930 (2019) → $102,700 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Reston, VA
Richmond, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Reston or Richmond?
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Should I relocate from Reston to Richmond as a physical therapist?
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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