Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Dale City, VA: $49.10 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Dale City, VA runs $49.10 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $102,121 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Dale City's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $47.58 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $61,275 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, physical therapists in Dale City, VA, can expect a median hourly pay of $49.10, which is slightly below the national median of $50.62. For physical therapists working in outpatient clinics, home health settings, or schools, this rate represents significant earning potential, especially for those considering part-time or per-diem positions. In a typical scenario, a part-time physical therapist working three days a week can still achieve favorable financial returns, capitalizing on hourly rates that range from $37.62 for entry-level positions up to $64.10 for seasoned professionals. Those who thrive in the bustling health environments of Dale City should be mindful of how these hourly estimates are extrapolated from annual salary projections, reflecting a balance of work-life integration and professional remuneration.
About the Dale City Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($95,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.62 | $300.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.42 | $331.40 |
| Median (P50) | $49.10 | $392.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59.02 | $472.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64.10 | $512.79 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Dale City
Based on $49.10/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.10/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Dale City, VA can expect to earn approximately $102,126 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,919. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Dale City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Dale City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,963.95 | $8,510 | $102,126 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,178.37 | $5,106 | $61,275 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $785.58 | $3,404 | $40,850 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Dale City) | $49.10 |
| 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 Dale City, VA earn a median of $102,121 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.01% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 2.70% below the Virginia state average of $104,955.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.10/hr = $61,275/year (purchasing power: $59,375).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $102,126/year (purchasing power: $98,959).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$41.71/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.92/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.10/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Dale City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41.71/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $42.44/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $44.59/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $45.57/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $46.50/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $45.88/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.92/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.10/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.31/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Dale City grew 14.9% from $41.71/hr (2019) to $47.92/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.31/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 Dale City 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 Dale City
Focusing on part-time earnings, a physical therapist in Dale City dedicating just 24 hours a week could expect to earn about $61,024 annually, which offers a reasonable compensation compared to full-time opportunities. The reality of per diem work further highlights flexible earning potential; with typical billing rates of $50-$75 per hour, per diem physical therapists can navigate their income through agency work or short-term contracts, often earning $1,800 to $2,800 weekly in travel positions, including stipends. Across different settings, like outpatient orthopedic practices, skilled nursing facilities, and pediatric clinics, hourly pay can differ, influenced by employer types and the need for specialized services. While many physical therapists may sacrifice higher hourly rates for the stability of benefits offered in larger healthcare systems, negotiation strategies can be beneficial for those focusing on freelance work. Understanding local market trends and remaining informed about the cash-pay vs. insurance landscape can enhance financial outcomes for those in the physical therapy sector in Dale City.
More salary data for Dale City, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Dale City in 2026?
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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 Dale City. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Dale City is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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