Physical Therapist Salary in Fairfax, VA: $100,166 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Fairfax, VA earns a median $100,166/year (≈ $48.16/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Fairfax's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $97,060 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.5% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, physical therapists in Fairfax, Virginia, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $100,166, which reflects local economic conditions and the growing trend towards cash-pay models in sports and orthopedic practice. The salary range is substantial, stretching from $78,349 at the lower end (P10) to $123,305 for top earners (P90). These figures are derived from state-level data compiled by the BLS, adjusted for regional pricing, illustrating the competitive pay landscape in Fairfax compared to national averages. Although the compensation for physical therapists in this city is slightly below the national median salary of $105,288, the local job market is showing resilience, making it an attractive option for new graduates and seasoned practitioners alike.
About the Fairfax Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($95,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,349 | $37.66 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $84,972 | $40.85 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $100,166 | $48.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $114,611 | $55.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $123,305 | $59.28 |
Median Salary Position
4.86% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fairfax
In Fairfax, VA, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $44,956 (2026 est.). At $100,166, the local median is 4.86% below the national median of $105,288.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Fairfax: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Fairfax Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Fairfax median: $100,166/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fairfax Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $104,886 | -4.50% less |
| National Average | $105,288 | -4.86% less |
Physical Therapists in Fairfax, VA earn a median of $100,166 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.86% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 4.50% below the Virginia state average of $104,886.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fairfax has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fairfax, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $100,166 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $97,060 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$85,089
2025 BLS Actual
$97,761
2026 Current Est.
$100,166
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Fairfax (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $85,089 | Actual |
| 2020 | $86,583 | Actual |
| 2021 | $90,968 | Actual |
| 2022 | $92,966 | Actual |
| 2023 | $94,859 | Actual |
| 2024 | $93,599 | Actual |
| 2025 | $97,761 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $100,166 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $102,630 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fairfax metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.9% from $85,089 (2019) to $97,761 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $102,630 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,541 (20.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fairfax 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) | $78,349 – $84,972 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $84,972 – $100,166 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $100,166 – $114,611 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $114,611 – $123,305 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Fairfax
Though only four physical therapists are currently employed in Fairfax, the demand for skilled professionals remains strong, fueled by an average cost-of-living index of 103.2. This figure indicates that wages need to keep pace with living expenses, which can impact take-home purchasing power. Among employers, outpatient orthopedic clinics like Athletico and other private practices tend to offer competitive salaries, but hospital systems and skilled nursing facilities may provide enhanced benefits or incentives, such as productivity bonuses for high-output clinicians. Factors such as board certifications (OSCs, SCS) can add to earnings, and the choice between cash-paying patients versus insurance reimbursement models can also influence overall compensation. For physical therapists looking to maximize their pay in Fairfax, focusing on productivity metrics, pursuing advanced certifications, and seeking opportunities with higher-paying employers can be valuable strategies for career advancement.
More salary data for Fairfax, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 $97,761 for physical therapistsin the Fairfax 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 Fairfax 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