Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Virginia Beach, VA: $49.67 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Virginia Beach, VA runs $49.67 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $103,321 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Virginia Beach's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.9, 2% below national), each hour of work buys what $50.72 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $61,991 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Virginia Beach, the median hourly pay for physical therapists is projected to be $49.67 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $50.62. This hourly rate offers significant potential for both part-time and per-diem workers, who often operate in settings such as outpatient clinics, hospitals, and home health environments. For therapists working just three days a week, a part-time schedule can yield a consistent income while maintaining flexibility. The hourly wage ranges from $33.33 at entry-level positions to $63.13 for the highest earners in the area, reflecting the varying levels of experience and specialization in physical therapy. These figures are sourced from the official Bureau of Labor Statistics data and highlight the robust earning potential within the field for therapy professionals in Virginia Beach.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33.33 | $266.64 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.16 | $321.31 |
| Median (P50) | $49.67 | $397.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57.49 | $459.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63.13 | $505.00 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Virginia Beach
Based on $49.67/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.67/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Virginia Beach, VA can expect to earn approximately $103,319 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $59,607. With a cost-of-living index of 97.94 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Virginia Beach.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Virginia Beach
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,986.90 | $8,610 | $103,319 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,192.14 | $5,166 | $61,991 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $794.76 | $3,444 | $41,328 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Virginia Beach) | $49.67 |
| 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 Virginia Beach, VA earn a median of $103,321 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.87% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 1.50% below the Virginia state average of $104,894.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.67/hr = $61,991/year (purchasing power: $63,295).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $103,319/year (purchasing power: $105,491).
CoL index: 97.941 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$42.25/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$48.48/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.67/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Virginia Beach (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42.25/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $43.79/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.76/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $46.05/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $43.67/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $47.83/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $48.48/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.67/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.89/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Virginia Beach grew 14.7% from $42.25/hr (2019) to $48.48/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.89/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 Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach
Examining part-time earnings, a physical therapist working 24 hours per week at the hourly median would take home approximately $62,264 annually, demonstrating a substantial income relative to typical part-time roles. On the other hand, per diem physical therapists in Virginia Beach may charge between $50 and $75 per hour, and those securing travel contracts can earn up to $2,800 weekly, inclusive of various stipends. Hourly rates can differ significantly based on the employer; for example, outpatient clinics often offer less than hospital systems but might provide additional productivity bonuses. Therapists often face a choice between lower hourly rates with benefits, such as health insurance, or higher pay without. Negotiating pay and benefits could prove essential, particularly for those who may prioritize flexibility or additional work-life balance in Virginia Beach's competitive physical therapy market. Understanding the trade-offs is crucial as the industry navigates challenges such as reimbursement cuts and productivity expectations.
More salary data for Virginia Beach, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Virginia Beach in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Virginia Beach?
Are physical therapists in Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach. 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