Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Roanoke, VA: $48.66 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Roanoke, VA runs $48.66 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $101,200 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Roanoke's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $51.98 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,726 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Roanoke, Virginia, the physical therapist hourly pay is projected to be $48.66 in 2026, slightly lower than the national hourly median of $50.62. This rate allows for a range of employment opportunities, including part-time positions in various settings such as outpatient clinics, hospitals, and home health environments. For those working three days a week, like many physical therapists might, the hourly wage provides a solid income for professional practitioners while accommodating a flexible lifestyle. Entry-level physical therapists in Roanoke may start at around $33.15 per hour, while more experienced professionals could earn up to $59.80 per hour in some cases. This data, sourced from 2025 BLS OEWS data, reflects the competitive landscape within both local and national contexts.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33.15 | $265.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.38 | $323.04 |
| Median (P50) | $48.66 | $389.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55.62 | $444.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59.80 | $478.37 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Roanoke
Based on $48.66/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.66/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Roanoke, VA can expect to earn approximately $101,209 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,390. With a cost-of-living index of 93.62 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Roanoke.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Roanoke
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,946.33 | $8,434 | $101,209 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,167.80 | $5,060 | $60,726 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $778.53 | $3,374 | $40,484 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Roanoke) | $48.66 |
| 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 Roanoke, VA earn a median of $101,200 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.88% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 3.50% below the Virginia state average of $104,870.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.66/hr = $60,726/year (purchasing power: $64,865).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $101,209/year (purchasing power: $108,109).
CoL index: 93.618 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$43.31/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.49/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.66/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+15.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Roanoke (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43.31/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $43.96/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $45.97/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $45.48/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.66/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $48.69/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.49/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.66/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.86/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Roanoke grew 9.7% from $43.31/hr (2019) to $47.49/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.86/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 Roanoke 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 Roanoke
Hourly rates can greatly influence the earning potential for part-time and per-diem physical therapists in Roanoke. A therapist working 24 hours a week might expect earnings significantly lower than a full-time colleague, which translates to approximately $57,020 annually, versus full-time earnings of around $101,200. Per diem physical therapist pay in Roanoke typically ranges between $50 to $75 per hour, providing flexibility but often lacking benefits. Moreover, travel PT contracts offer lucrative compensation that can reach $2,800 a week, making these positions enticing for those willing to be mobile. Employers in Roanoke, including outpatient orthopedic clinics and skilled nursing facilities, contribute to variability in hourly rates. Some therapists may accept lower wages for health insurance, while others chase opportunities that pay higher hourly rates without benefits. For effective salary negotiations, knowing the local market trends and leveraging your specific skills can be key.
More salary data for Roanoke, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Roanoke. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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