Physical Therapist Salary in Suffolk, VA: $103,160 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Suffolk, VA earns a median $103,160/year (≈ $49.60/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Suffolk's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $99,961 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.7% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Suffolk, Virginia, the projected median annual salary for physical therapists in 2026 reaches $103,160, demonstrating a competitive compensation framework that reflects both local and broader industry trends. The salary range for this profession spans from $80,814 at the 10th percentile to $140,511 at the 90th percentile, indicating significant earning potential tied to experience and skill level. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional cost factors, painting a clear picture of what professionals in this area can anticipate. With an emerging trend towards cash-pay arrangements in sports and orthopedic specialties, many therapists in Suffolk stand to benefit from higher-end salaries as demand for specialized care continues to grow.
About the Suffolk Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($95,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,814 | $38.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $88,253 | $42.43 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $103,160 | $49.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $119,121 | $57.26 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $140,511 | $67.55 |
Median Salary Position
2.02% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Suffolk
In Suffolk, VA, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $59,697 (2026 est.). At $103,160, the local median is 2.02% below the national median of $105,288.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Suffolk: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Suffolk Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Suffolk median: $103,160/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Suffolk Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $104,944 | -1.70% less |
| National Average | $105,288 | -2.02% less |
Physical Therapists in Suffolk, VA earn a median of $103,160 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.02% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 1.70% below the Virginia state average of $104,944.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Suffolk has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Suffolk, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $103,160 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $99,961 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$87,632
2025 BLS Actual
$100,683
2026 Current Est.
$103,160
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Suffolk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $87,632 | Actual |
| 2020 | $89,170 | Actual |
| 2021 | $93,687 | Actual |
| 2022 | $95,745 | Actual |
| 2023 | $97,695 | Actual |
| 2024 | $96,396 | Actual |
| 2025 | $100,683 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $103,160 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $105,698 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Suffolk metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.9% from $87,632 (2019) to $100,683 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $105,698 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,066 (20.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Suffolk 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $80,814 – $88,253 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $88,253 – $103,160 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $103,160 – $119,121 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $119,121 – $140,511 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Suffolk
While there are currently 15 physical therapists employed in Suffolk, the local job market is competitive, reflecting both the specialized nature of the field and the cost of living index of 103.2. This purchasing power reality means that practitioners must navigate salary offers carefully to ensure they maintain a comfortable lifestyle. Employers with a higher pay scale typically include outpatient orthopedic clinics, which may provide productivity bonuses, particularly for those with advanced board certifications like OCS or SCS. Meanwhile, disparities in pay can arise from factors such as clinic ownership structures, expectations for visits per day, or the practice model employed—whether cash-pay or insurance-based. To maximize physical therapist pay in Suffolk, VA, pursuing board specialization, gaining experience in high-demand areas, and effectively leveraging productivity bonuses can be effective strategies for enhancing earning potential in this vibrant market.
More salary data for Suffolk, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapists make in Suffolk, VA in 2026?
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Can physical therapists make $100K in Suffolk?
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $100,683 for physical therapistsin the Suffolk metropolitan area. A 2.46% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Suffolk 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