Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Hampton, VA: $79,807 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Hampton, VA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $79,807 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Hampton's local price level (BEA RPP 103.2 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $77,332 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($104,802) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the physical therapy field in Hampton, Virginia, can expect a starting salary around $79,807. This entry-level figure represents a noticeable gap from the city’s median annual salary of $104,802. However, there is potential for salary growth over the first few years of career development, moving from entry-level pay to approximately $88,257 after gaining some experience. This trajectory positions Hampton as a relatively advantageous market for new physical therapists, particularly given a projected annual growth rate of 2.46%. For those just starting out, understanding these salary dynamics can aid in setting realistic expectations and making informed career decisions in their early professional journey.
About the Hampton Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($95,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Hampton
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 Hampton
Entry-level physical therapists in Hampton, VA typically start between $79,807 and $88,257 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $61,279 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $104,802 — 0.46% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Virginia of $120,000 represents just 150.36% of the starting physical therapist pay ($79,807/year) in Hampton. 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 Doctor of Physical Therapy programs. Tuition varies substantially between public in-state DPT programs and private institutions; most programs require a prerequisite bachelor's degree.
PT Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Hampton
- 1Research the Hampton market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $79,807 to $88,257, 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 Hampton, 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 Hampton for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Hampton's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Physical Therapist Compensation Range
The physical therapist wage spread in Hampton is $61,279 ( 76.78%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $79,807, experienced hygienists can earn up to $141,086.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$62,725
2025 BLS Actual
$77,891
2026 Current Est.
$79,807
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Hampton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,725 | Actual |
| 2020 | $64,148 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,533 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,571 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,963 | Actual |
| 2024 | $73,231 | Actual |
| 2025 | $77,891 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79,807 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81,770 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Hampton, VA grew 24.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $62,725 in 2019 to $77,891 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $81,770. New graduates entering the Hampton job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hampton 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.
Starting Your physical therapy Career in Hampton
In Hampton, several employers actively seek out new physical therapy graduates. Outpatient orthopedic chains, such as ATI and Select Medical, often hire fresh DPT graduates and provide structured productivity targets. Hospital systems, which may offer residency programs leading to board certification, tend to present a more viable avenue for career advancement, while skilled nursing facilities like Genesis and RehabCare frequently offer higher starting pay. To enhance earning potential, new physical therapists in VA should aim to secure a DPT degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, successfully pass the NPTE national exam, and obtain their state PT license. Additionally, those pursuing optional residencies can achieve board specialization, which can further elevate their starting physical therapist salary in Hampton. As graduates navigate their first years in practice, they’ll find that market trends, including reimbursement challenges and productivity expectations driven by CMS cuts, will shape both their roles and salary prospects, ranging from modest beginnings to significant growth as they develop their skills in this dynamic field.
More salary data for Hampton, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapists in Hampton in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist salaries grow in Hampton?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Hampton?
What do new physical therapists make right out of school in Hampton?
How do I become a physical therapist in Virginia?
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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
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 2.46% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Hampton. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Hampton 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