Roanoke vs Salem: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Roanoke, VA and Salem, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Roanoke, VA | Salem, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $101,200 | $101,726▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $48.66 | $48.90▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,935 | $74,732▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $83,986 | $89,175▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $115,677 | $116,383▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $124,376 | $125,796▲ |
| Total Employed | 270▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Salem, VA offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Roanoke.
The salary gap between Roanoke and Salem is $526 (0.52%). Salem's median is -3.38% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Roanoke spans $55,441,Salem spans $51,064. Roanoke 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, Roanoke ($108,099 effective) pays 9.67% more than Salem ($98,572 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Roanoke if…
- ✓Larger job market (270 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $108,099)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Salem if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($101,726/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($125,796)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Roanoke grew 9.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 4.4% growth in Salem over the same period.
Roanoke, VA
$90,080 (2019) → $98,770 (2025)
Salem, VA
$95,057 (2024) → $99,284 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Roanoke, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
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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