Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Alexandria, VA: $57,237 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Alexandria, VA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $57,237 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Alexandria's local price level (BEA RPP 103.2 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $55,462 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($80,258) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the starting physical therapist assistant salary in Alexandria, VA, is projected to be around $57,237, which provides a solid entry point for new graduates. While this amount is notably below the city's median annual salary of $80,258, it reflects a favorable trajectory for newly licensed PTAs. Over the first few years of their careers, individuals can expect gradual growth, moving from the $57,237 average to approximately $70,720 at the 25th percentile, and ultimately reaching the median salary as they gain more experience and potentially seek out specialized credentials. Overall, Alexandria appears to be a promising market for entry-level positions, particularly for those equipped with the right educational background and certifications.
About the Alexandria Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Alexandria
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Alexandria
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Alexandria, VA typically start between $57,237 and $70,720 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $50,519 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $80,258 — 14.25% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Virginia of $22,000 represents just 38.44% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($57,237/year) in Alexandria. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CAPTE-accredited Physical Therapist Assistant associate degree programs. Tuition varies between community college and private technical school programs.
PTA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Alexandria
- 1Research the Alexandria market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $57,237 to $70,720, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the physical therapy field — employers in VA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Alexandria, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Alexandria for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Alexandria's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Physical Therapist Assistant Compensation Range
The physical therapist assistant wage spread in Alexandria is $50,519 ( 88.26%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $57,237, experienced hygienists can earn up to $107,756.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$39,030
2025 BLS Actual
$55,716
2026 Current Est.
$57,237
2019–2027 Growth
+50.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Alexandria (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,030 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,485 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,499 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,570 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,135 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,927 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,716 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,237 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58,800 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Alexandria, VA grew 42.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $39,030 in 2019 to $55,716 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $58,800. New graduates entering the Alexandria job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Alexandria 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 2.73% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your physical therapy Career in Alexandria
In terms of employment opportunities, outpatient rehabilitation centers in Alexandria are the primary employers of new grad physical therapist assistants. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) are also a notable option despite facing reimbursement pressures that affect PTA salaries. Notably, home health agencies often prefer candidates with 1-2 years of clinical experience, which may challenge fresh graduates. To boost starting pay in Virginia, new PTAs should ensure they have completed an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited program and passed the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTAE). Obtaining a state PTA license, Basic Life Support (BLS) certification, and considering advanced proficiency credentials via the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) can enhance employability. New PTAs working under physical therapist supervision should keep in mind the impact of the 15% cut in Medicare reimbursement for PTA services, particularly in SNFs, when strategizing salary growth in the first three years. Realistically, new grads might anticipate a paycheck that gradually aligns with local averages, reflecting a steady demand for their skills.
More salary data for Alexandria, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Alexandria in 2026?
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Is physical therapy school worth it in Alexandria?
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Written by Jordan Lee, DPT
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in outpatient physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Jordan works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level 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 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new physical therapy graduates. A 2.73% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Alexandria. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Alexandria 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 2.73%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for physical therapist assistants (SOC 31-2021).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, DPT, a licensed physical therapist assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov