Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Falls Church, VA: $46.51 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Falls Church, VA runs $46.51 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $96,742 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Falls Church's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $45.06 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $58,040 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Falls Church, VA, the physical therapist hourly pay is projected at $46.51 for 2026, which is noticeably lower than the national median of $50.62. This rate can accommodate part-time efforts for those working three days a week, translating to a reasonable income for professionals looking to balance work and personal commitments. Per-diem opportunities in the area also offer flexibility, allowing therapists to earn based on the number of hours worked. Entry-level physical therapists might expect hourly rates starting around $37.80, while experienced professionals can reach up to $57.00 per hour. These estimates are grounded in the broader salary projections from 2025 BLS data, signifying a competitive yet variable pay structure depending on the therapist's experience and the employer's setting, including outpatient clinics, hospitals, and specialized therapy environments.
About the Falls Church 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) | $37.80 | $302.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.34 | $322.71 |
| Median (P50) | $46.51 | $372.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53.05 | $424.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57.00 | $455.99 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Falls Church
Based on $46.51/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $46.51/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Falls Church, VA can expect to earn approximately $96,734 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $55,808. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Falls Church.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Falls Church
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,860.26 | $8,061 | $96,734 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,116.16 | $4,837 | $58,040 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $744.11 | $3,224 | $38,693 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Falls Church) | $46.51 |
| 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 Falls Church, VA earn a median of $96,742 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.12% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 7.80% below the Virginia state average of $104,926.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $46.51/hr = $58,040/year (purchasing power: $56,241).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $96,734/year (purchasing power: $93,734).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$39.51/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$45.39/hr
2026 Current Est.
$46.51/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Falls Church (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.51/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.20/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $42.24/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $43.16/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.04/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.46/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $45.39/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46.51/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47.65/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Falls Church grew 14.9% from $39.51/hr (2019) to $45.39/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $47.65/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 Falls Church 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 Falls Church
For those considering part-time work, a physical therapist working 24 hours a week can still generate a substantial income, significantly less than a full-time position but still viable for many. Per diem positions can be particularly lucrative, as therapists in these roles often bill $50 to $75 per hour, while contracted travel positions may provide weekly earnings between $1,800 and $2,800, including stipends. Specialty practice models in high-cost locations can generate cash pay rates from $150 to $250 per hour. Hourly pay often varies based on the type of employer; outpatient clinics might offer competitive wages, but hospital systems and skilled nursing facilities may provide additional benefits in exchange for a lower hourly rate. Therapists should consider these trade-offs when negotiating salaries, keeping in mind that positions with greater stability might come with lower hourly rates. For successful negotiation, it’s advisable to engage in conversations about the overall compensation package, highlighting the total benefits alongside hourly pay.
More salary data for Falls Church, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Falls Church in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Falls Church?
Are physical therapists in Falls Church 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 Falls Church. 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 Falls Church 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