Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Herndon, VA: $47.25 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Herndon, VA runs $47.25 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $98,281 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Herndon's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $45.79 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $58,974 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Herndon, Virginia, the projected median hourly pay for physical therapists in 2026 stands at $47.25, which is slightly lower than the national median hourly rate of $50.62. This rate reflects the compensation that professionals can expect while working in various settings, such as outpatient clinics, hospitals, or in home health environments. For part-time therapists working three days a week, the median hourly rate offers a solid earning potential, allowing for a balanced work-life dynamic. Entry-level positions begin at approximately $39.45 per hour, while experienced practitioners can earn up to $56.47 per hour, creating a spectrum of hourly compensation that caters to varied levels of expertise and experience.
About the Herndon 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) | $39.45 | $315.58 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.89 | $335.09 |
| Median (P50) | $47.25 | $378.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53.01 | $424.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56.47 | $451.73 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Herndon
Based on $47.25/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.25/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Herndon, VA can expect to earn approximately $98,289 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $56,705. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Herndon.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Herndon
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,890.18 | $8,191 | $98,289 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,134.11 | $4,914 | $58,974 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $756.07 | $3,276 | $39,316 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Herndon) | $47.25 |
| 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 Herndon, VA earn a median of $98,281 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.66% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 6.30% below the Virginia state average of $104,889.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.25/hr = $58,974/year (purchasing power: $57,145).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $98,289/year (purchasing power: $95,242).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$40.14/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.12/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.25/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Herndon (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40.14/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.85/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $42.92/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $43.86/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.75/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $44.15/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.12/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.25/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48.42/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Herndon grew 14.9% from $40.14/hr (2019) to $46.12/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $48.42/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 Herndon 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 Herndon
For those considering part-time opportunities, a physical therapist working 24 hours a week could earn around $55,260 annually, compared to a full-time therapist who might bring home a much larger salary. Per diem physical therapists in Herndon can enhance their earning potential significantly; rates can climb as high as $75 per hour, especially in specialized fields like sports medicine or outpatient orthopedics. Factors such as employer type greatly influence pay. Outpatient orthopedic clinics may offer lower hourly rates compared to hospital-based roles, where higher salaries are often complemented by benefits. Therapists must weigh these trade-offs when negotiating pay; accepting a lower hourly rate often comes with health insurance and job security, while those seeking higher pay may consider part-time or freelance work in exchange for flexibility. Understanding the specifics of per diem physical therapist pay in Herndon and knowing when to negotiate can empower professionals to make the most informed decisions about their careers.
More salary data for Herndon, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Herndon in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Herndon?
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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 Herndon. 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 Herndon 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