Richmond vs Suffolk: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Richmond, VA and Suffolk, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Richmond, VA | Suffolk, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $105,226▲ | $103,160 |
| Hourly Rate | $50.58▲ | $49.60 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,786 | $80,814▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $85,954 | $88,253▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $121,282▲ | $119,121 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $128,987 | $140,511▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,300▲ | 15 |
Verdict
Richmond, VA offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Suffolk.
The salary gap between Richmond and Suffolk is $2,066 (2.00%). 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 Richmond spans $49,201,Suffolk spans $59,697. Suffolk 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, Richmond ($107,529 effective) pays 7.57% more than Suffolk ($99,961 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Suffolk if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($140,511)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Richmond grew 6.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 4.4% growth in Suffolk over the same period.
Richmond, VA
$96,930 (2019) → $102,700 (2025)
Suffolk, VA
$96,396 (2024) → $100,683 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Richmond, VA
Suffolk, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Richmond or Suffolk?
What is the hourly rate difference between Richmond and Suffolk?
Should I relocate from Richmond to Suffolk as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Richmond vs Suffolk?
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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