Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Fairfax, VA: $48.16 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Fairfax, VA runs $48.16 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $100,166 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Fairfax's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $46.66 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,099 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fairfax, Virginia, the median hourly pay for physical therapists stands at $48.16, slightly below the national median of $50.62. This compensation offers an attractive opportunity for both full-time professionals and those considering part-time or per-diem roles. Physical therapists working three days a week could potentially earn around $58,000 annually, which positions the hourly rate advantageously for maintaining a balanced lifestyle. The hourly earnings for physical therapists in the area range from $37.66 for entry-level positions to $59.28 for those at the top of their field, as estimated from annual data. In various healthcare settings, including outpatient clinics, rehabilitation facilities, and even home health visits, these hourly rates enable practitioners to find employment that aligns with their personal and financial goals.
About the Fairfax 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) | $37.66 | $301.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.85 | $326.81 |
| Median (P50) | $48.16 | $385.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55.10 | $440.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59.28 | $474.27 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fairfax
Based on $48.16/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.16/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fairfax, VA can expect to earn approximately $100,165 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $57,787. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Fairfax.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fairfax
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,926.25 | $8,347 | $100,165 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,155.75 | $5,008 | $60,099 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $770.50 | $3,339 | $40,066 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Fairfax) | $48.16 |
| 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 Fairfax, VA earn a median of $100,166 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.86% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 4.50% below the Virginia state average of $104,886.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.16/hr = $60,099/year (purchasing power: $58,235).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $100,165/year (purchasing power: $97,059).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$40.91/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.00/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.16/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Fairfax (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40.91/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $41.63/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $43.73/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $44.69/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $45.61/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $45.00/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.00/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.16/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.34/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Fairfax grew 14.9% from $40.91/hr (2019) to $47.00/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.34/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 Fairfax 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 Fairfax
For those considering part-time positions in Fairfax, the earning potential distinguishes significantly from full-time roles. A physical therapist working a 24-hour week at the calculated hourly median would net an approximate annual income favorable for a part-time lifestyle. Per-diem physical therapists in the area can expect pay rates generally between $50 and $75 per hour, with travel contracts bringing in between $1,800 and $2,800 weekly, along with stipends. Influenced by the type of employer, hourly compensation can vary widely; outpatient clinics may offer lower rates compared to hospital systems or independent practices, which might require trade-offs in terms of benefits. This variability encourages some therapists to negotiate for higher hourly rates while relinquishing benefits, particularly in light of evolving trends toward cash-pay practices. To optimize their compensation in Fairfax’s competitive market, physical therapists should approach negotiations with transparency and awareness of local norms and employer expectations.
More salary data for Fairfax, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Fairfax in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Fairfax?
Are physical therapists in Fairfax paid hourly or salary?
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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 Fairfax. 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 Fairfax 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