Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Charlottesville, VA: $50.44 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Charlottesville, VA runs $50.44 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $104,919 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Charlottesville's regional price level (BEA RPP 99.1, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $50.88 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $62,950 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Charlottesville, Virginia, the physical therapist hourly pay stands at a solid $50.44, which is slightly lower than the national median of $50.62 for this occupation. This competitive hourly wage offers valuable opportunities for both part-time and per-diem physical therapists working in environments such as outpatient clinics, inpatient rehab units, and home health settings. For professionals working three days a week, this rate can translate into a stable income while allowing flexibility in their schedules. Entry-level therapists can expect to earn around $38.58 per hour, with more experienced practitioners able to command rates as high as $65.05 per hour. These figures, derived from the 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, reflect the diverse earning potential that awaits physical therapy professionals in the region.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.58 | $308.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43.18 | $345.41 |
| Median (P50) | $50.44 | $403.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $65.05 | $520.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $65.05 | $520.41 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Charlottesville
Based on $50.44/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $50.44/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Charlottesville, VA can expect to earn approximately $104,917 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $60,529. With a cost-of-living index of 99.15 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Charlottesville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Charlottesville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,017.64 | $8,743 | $104,917 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,210.59 | $5,246 | $62,950 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $807.06 | $3,497 | $41,967 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Charlottesville) | $50.44 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Occupational Therapist (National Avg) | $47.00 |
| Chiropractor (National Avg) | $36.85 |
| Exercise Physiologist (National Avg) | $26.75 |
Physical Therapists in Charlottesville, VA earn a median of $104,919 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.35% lower than the national median of $105,288.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $50.44/hr = $62,950/year (purchasing power: $63,493).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $104,917/year (purchasing power: $105,821).
CoL index: 99.146 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$43.98/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$49.23/hr
2026 Current Est.
$50.44/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Charlottesville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43.98/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $44.40/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $39.50/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $47.58/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $47.99/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $49.32/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $49.23/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50.44/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51.68/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Charlottesville grew 11.9% from $43.98/hr (2019) to $49.23/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $51.68/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem physical therapists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Charlottesville metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.46% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Physical Therapist in Charlottesville
When considering part-time work, a physical therapist scheduling 24 hours a week in Charlottesville will bring home a significant amount annually, albeit less than a full-time peer. Particularly for per-diem or contracting roles, pay rates can vary widely; per diem physical therapist pay in Charlottesville is commonly priced between $50 to $75 per hour. Additionally, travel contracts for physical therapists may yield earnings between $1,800 and $2,800 weekly, including stipends. Variability in pay is also evident across different employer types—outpatient orthopedic clinics may offer different packages compared to hospital systems or skilled nursing facilities, impacting overall compensation. It’s crucial for PTs considering these roles to weigh the benefits of stable employment, such as health benefits, against the potentially higher hourly rates available through cash-pay models or locum tenens work. Negotiating rates could hinge on local market demands, the type of therapy offered, and discussions about productivity expectations amid evolving reimbursement landscapes.
More salary data for Charlottesville, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Charlottesville in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Charlottesville?
Are physical therapists in Charlottesville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Charlottesville?
Do physical therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Charlottesville?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.46% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for physical therapists in Charlottesville. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.46%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for physical therapists (SOC 29-1123).
Compiled and verified by Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov