Physical Therapist Salary in Herndon, VA: $98,281 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Herndon, VA earns a median $98,281/year (≈ $47.25/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Herndon's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $95,234 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.3% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Physical therapists in Herndon, VA, can expect a median annual salary of $98,281 in 2026, which is notably below the national median of $105,288 for the same year. The projected salary range for physical therapists locally spans from $82,040 at the tenth percentile to $117,452 at the ninetieth percentile, reflecting the varying levels of experience and productivity demands within the field. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local economic conditions. Job performance is crucial in shaping hourly compensation, often driven by the number of patient visits per day, which can significantly impact earnings. As the demand for rehabilitation services continues to rise, aspiring physical therapists may find themselves in a competitive job market that emphasizes both efficiency and client outcomes.
About the Herndon Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($95,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,040 | $39.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $87,130 | $41.89 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $98,281 | $47.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $110,267 | $53.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $117,452 | $56.47 |
Median Salary Position
6.66% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Herndon
In Herndon, VA, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $35,412 (2026 est.). At $98,281, the local median is 6.66% below the national median of $105,288.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Herndon: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Herndon Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Herndon median: $98,281/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Herndon Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $104,889 | -6.30% less |
| National Average | $105,288 | -6.66% less |
Physical Therapists in Herndon, VA earn a median of $98,281 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.66% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 6.30% below the Virginia state average of $104,889.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Herndon has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Herndon, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $98,281 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $95,234 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$83,487
2025 BLS Actual
$95,921
2026 Current Est.
$98,281
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Herndon (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $83,487 | Actual |
| 2020 | $84,953 | Actual |
| 2021 | $89,256 | Actual |
| 2022 | $91,216 | Actual |
| 2023 | $93,074 | Actual |
| 2024 | $91,837 | Actual |
| 2025 | $95,921 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $98,281 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $100,698 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Herndon metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.9% from $83,487 (2019) to $95,921 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $100,698 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,211 (20.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Herndon 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) | $82,040 – $87,130 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $87,130 – $98,281 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $98,281 – $110,267 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $110,267 – $117,452 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Herndon
A closer look at the job market in Herndon reveals that only five physical therapists are currently employed in the area, presenting a unique opportunity for job seekers looking to enter this niche. With a cost-of-living index at 103.2, the region's higher expenses may diminish take-home purchasing power despite competitive salaries. Employers such as outpatient orthopedic clinics, including chains like ATI and Athletico, frequently dominate the local job landscape, often paying less than hospital systems that provide a broader benefits package. The salary spread among physical therapists in Herndon can be traced to factors such as productivity expectations, which typically revolve around the number of visits per day, and the existence of bonuses tied to performance metrics. For professionals eager to maximize their pay in this market, pursuing board specialization certifications like OCS or SCS can offer additional compensation incentives. Additionally, those considering a cash-pay model may find themselves better positioned financially compared to traditional insurance practices.
More salary data for Herndon, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can physical therapists make $100K in Herndon?
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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 $95,921 for physical therapistsin the Herndon 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 Herndon 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