Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in McLean, VA: $49.39 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in McLean, VA runs $49.39 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $102,712 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against McLean's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $47.85 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $61,633 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In McLean, Virginia, physical therapists earn a median hourly rate of $49.39, which reveals a small shortfall when compared to the national median of $50.62. This rate is particularly relevant for part-time professionals who often work in outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, or home health settings. For instance, a physical therapist working three days a week could expect to earn around $38,000 annually, offering a flexible alternative to full-time roles. The hourly wage structure ranges from $37.07 at the lower end for entry-level positions to approximately $61.96 for those at the top of the pay scale, showcasing a diversity of earning potential based on experience and workplace settings. These figures are projected estimates based on 2025 BLS data, emphasizing the evolving financial landscape for physical therapists in the region.
About the McLean 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) | $37.07 | $296.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.85 | $326.81 |
| Median (P50) | $49.39 | $395.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57.04 | $456.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61.96 | $495.66 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in McLean
Based on $49.39/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.39/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in McLean, VA can expect to earn approximately $102,722 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $59,263. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in McLean.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in McLean
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,975.43 | $8,560 | $102,722 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,185.26 | $5,136 | $61,633 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $790.17 | $3,424 | $41,089 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (McLean) | $49.39 |
| 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 McLean, VA earn a median of $102,712 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.45% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 2.10% below the Virginia state average of $104,915.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.39/hr = $61,633/year (purchasing power: $59,722).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $102,722/year (purchasing power: $99,537).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$41.95/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$48.20/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.39/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in McLean (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41.95/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $42.69/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $44.85/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $45.84/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $46.77/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $46.14/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $48.20/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.39/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.60/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in McLean grew 14.9% from $41.95/hr (2019) to $48.20/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.60/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 McLean 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 McLean
Considering part-time opportunities, a physical therapist working 24 hours per week stands to take home around $38,813 annually, which can be a viable choice for individuals valuing flexibility. On the other hand, per diem physical therapist pay in McLean may range between $50-$75 per hour, appealing to those seeking variable hours without the commitments of full-time employment. Moreover, travel positions tend to offer even higher compensation, sometimes between $1,800-$2,800 per week, inclusive of stipends. The choice of employer significantly influences hourly pay as well; clinics such as ATI or Athletico may pay less due to their productivity metrics. In McLean, therapists often weigh lower hourly rates with benefits against higher pay without insurance. Negotiating reflects important aspects—understanding local market trends and being aware of the compensation differences among outpatient clinics, hospitals, and agency positions can empower physical therapists to secure better pay and job satisfaction.
More salary data for McLean, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in McLean in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in McLean?
Are physical therapists in McLean paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in McLean?
Do physical therapists earn more per hour working part-time in McLean?
Related Pages
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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 McLean. 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 McLean 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