Bristol vs Richmond: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Bristol, VA and Richmond, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bristol, VA | Richmond, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $103,444 | $105,226▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $49.73 | $50.58▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,659▲ | $79,786 |
| 25th Percentile | $88,696▲ | $85,954 |
| 75th Percentile | $119,401 | $121,282▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $128,523 | $128,987▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 1,300▲ |
Verdict
Richmond, VA offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Bristol.
The salary gap between Bristol and Richmond is $1,782 (1.72%). Richmond's median is -0.06% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bristol spans $45,864,Richmond spans $49,201. Richmond has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Richmond ($107,529 effective) pays 7.28% more than Bristol ($100,236 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bristol if…
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Richmond if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($105,226/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($128,987)
- ✓Larger job market (1,300 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $107,529)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Bristol grew 7.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 6.0% growth in Richmond over the same period.
Bristol, VA
$94,277 (2024) → $100,960 (2025)
Richmond, VA
$96,930 (2019) → $102,700 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bristol, VA
Richmond, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Bristol or Richmond?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bristol and Richmond?
Should I relocate from Bristol to Richmond as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Bristol vs Richmond?
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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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.46% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov