Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Suffolk, VA: $35.74 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Suffolk, VA runs $35.74 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $74,347 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Suffolk's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $34.63 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $44,603 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Suffolk, Virginia, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay is projected to be $35.74 in 2026, which is notably higher than the national average of $33.77. This competitive rate opens up various earning opportunities for part-time workers operating in typical settings such as outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health care. For professionals opting to work three days a week, this hourly rate translates into a solid income, with part-time staffers earning a respectable sum while enjoying more flexible schedules. The hourly range in Suffolk spans from $26.12 at the lower end for entry-level assistants to $48.47 for those at the top tier, reflecting differences in experience, employer type, and job location. These estimates are derived from annual salary data, providing a solid insight into the financial landscape for physical therapist assistants in the area.
About the Suffolk Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $26.12 | $208.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.88 | $255.02 |
| Median (P50) | $35.74 | $285.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.26 | $322.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.47 | $387.74 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Suffolk
Based on $35.74/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.74/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Suffolk, VA can expect to earn approximately $74,339 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,888. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Suffolk.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Suffolk
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,429.59 | $6,195 | $74,339 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $857.75 | $3,717 | $44,603 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $571.84 | $2,478 | $29,735 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Suffolk) | $35.74 |
| Physical Therapist (National Avg) | $48.65 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (National Avg) | $33.15 |
| Athletic Trainer (National Avg) | $27.85 |
| Massage Therapist (National Avg) | $27.10 |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Suffolk, VA earn a median of $74,347 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.84% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 1.70% below the Virginia state average of $75,632.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.74/hr = $44,603/year (purchasing power: $43,220).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $74,339/year (purchasing power: $72,034).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.91/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.79/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.74/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Suffolk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.91/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.41/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.13/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.94/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.60/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.20/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.79/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.74/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.72/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Suffolk grew 16.3% from $29.91/hr (2019) to $34.79/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.72/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem physical therapist assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
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 2.73% 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 Assistant in Suffolk
Considering a part-time position as a physical therapist assistant in Suffolk can yield considerable annual income, especially when working 24 hours per week. Based on the hourly rate of $35.74, a part-time assistant could take home close to $44,000 annually, significantly less than full-time wages but still a viable option for many. The per diem physical therapist assistant pay in Suffolk often falls within the range of $32 to $48 per hour, allowing for varied work experiences and flexibility. However, professionals need to be aware that since the 2022 Medicare cuts have affected reimbursement rates, particularly in skilled nursing facilities, agency staffing wages may fluctuate, with premium pay reduced. Different types of employers—such as outpatient orthopedic clinics, hospital rehab units, and pediatric therapy offices—offer unique wage structures, thus enabling PTAs to negotiate their hourly pay based on the associated trade-offs, like accepting lower rates for roles that come with health benefits. Mastering the art of negotiation can be key for hourly workers in Suffolk, empowering them to advocate effectively for their worth in a shifting employment environment.
More salary data for Suffolk, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Suffolk in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Suffolk?
Are physical therapist assistants in Suffolk paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Suffolk?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Suffolk?
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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
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 2.73% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for physical therapist assistants in Suffolk. 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 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 2.73%, 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