Physical Therapist Salary in McLean, VA: $102,712 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in McLean, VA earns a median $102,712/year (≈ $49.39/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in McLean's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $99,527 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.1% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, physical therapists in McLean, Virginia are projected to earn a median annual salary of $102,712, reflecting a competitive pay scale in comparison to national figures which stand at $105,288. Salary ranges for this role in the area vary significantly from $77,096 at the 10th percentile to $128,880 at the 90th percentile. These estimates derive from 2025 BLS state-level data, adjusted for regional cost of living, which is slightly above the national average. The drive for productivity is pronounced, with therapists often expected to manage a high volume of visits per day, influencing effective hourly compensation and ultimately shaping overall earning potential in this dynamic market.
About the McLean Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($95,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,096 | $37.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $84,973 | $40.85 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $102,712 | $49.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $118,647 | $57.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $128,880 | $61.96 |
Median Salary Position
2.45% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in McLean
In McLean, VA, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $51,784 (2026 est.). At $102,712, the local median is 2.45% below the national median of $105,288.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in McLean: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How McLean Physical Therapist Pay Compares
McLean median: $102,712/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | McLean Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $104,915 | -2.10% less |
| National Average | $105,288 | -2.45% less |
Physical Therapists in McLean, VA earn a median of $102,712 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.45% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 2.10% below the Virginia state average of $104,915.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
McLean has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
McLean, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $102,712 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $99,527 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$87,252
2025 BLS Actual
$100,246
2026 Current Est.
$102,712
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in McLean (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $87,252 | Actual |
| 2020 | $88,783 | Actual |
| 2021 | $93,281 | Actual |
| 2022 | $95,329 | Actual |
| 2023 | $97,271 | Actual |
| 2024 | $95,978 | Actual |
| 2025 | $100,246 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $102,712 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $105,239 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the McLean metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.9% from $87,252 (2019) to $100,246 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $105,239 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,987 (20.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the McLean 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) | $77,096 – $84,973 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $84,973 – $102,712 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $102,712 – $118,647 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $118,647 – $128,880 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in McLean
The niche of physical therapy in McLean is characterized by a strong, albeit small, job market, with only 11 professionals currently employed in this specialty. The cost of living index is 103.2, suggesting that although salaries are healthy, purchasing power may be constrained in light of local expenses. Among various settings, outpatient orthopedic clinics like ATI and Athletico typically offer competitive salaries, though hospital positions and specialized roles in skilled nursing facilities can command higher wages. The broad range in compensation can be fueled by factors such as productivity expectations, additional stipends for advanced board certifications (like OCS and SCS), and the distinctions between cash-pay and insurance-based practice models. To maximize earnings in McLean, therapists should consider pursuing board certifications, exploring roles in high-demand specialties, and engaging in practices that emphasize patient volume and outcome-based models.
More salary data for McLean, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapists make in McLean, VA in 2026?
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Can physical therapists make $100K in McLean?
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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 $100,246 for physical therapistsin the McLean 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 McLean 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