Physical Therapist Salary in Norfolk, VA: $104,863 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Norfolk, VA earns a median $104,863/year (≈ $50.41/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Norfolk's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $101,611 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.1% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, physical therapist salaries in Norfolk, Virginia, exhibit a median annual pay of $104,863, which is slightly below the national median of $105,288. The salary range in this city varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $73,314, while experienced professionals can earn up to $144,034 annually. These estimates are based on state-level data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and reflect local cost adjustments. As healthcare continues to evolve, those in the field must meet productivity expectations driven by both patient volume and the complexity of care, which can lead to substantial differences in compensation among physical therapists in Norfolk.
About the Norfolk Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($95,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,314 | $35.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $84,080 | $40.42 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $104,863 | $50.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $126,718 | $60.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $144,034 | $69.24 |
Median Salary Position
0.4% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Norfolk
In Norfolk, VA, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $70,720 (2026 est.). At $104,863, the local median is 0.4% below the national median of $105,288.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Norfolk: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Norfolk Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Norfolk median: $104,863/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Norfolk Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $104,968 | -0.10% less |
| National Average | $105,288 | -0.40% less |
Physical Therapists in Norfolk, VA earn a median of $104,863 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.40% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 0.10% below the Virginia state average of $104,968.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Norfolk has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Norfolk, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $104,863 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $101,611 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$89,079
2025 BLS Actual
$102,345
2026 Current Est.
$104,863
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Norfolk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $89,079 | Actual |
| 2020 | $90,642 | Actual |
| 2021 | $95,234 | Actual |
| 2022 | $97,325 | Actual |
| 2023 | $99,307 | Actual |
| 2024 | $102,488 | Actual |
| 2025 | $102,345 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $104,863 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $107,442 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Norfolk metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.9% from $89,079 (2019) to $102,345 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $107,442 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,363 (20.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Norfolk 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) | $73,314 – $84,080 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $84,080 – $104,863 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $104,863 – $126,718 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $126,718 – $144,034 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Norfolk
The local job market for physical therapists remains robust, employing around 54 professionals in the area. A cost-of-living index of 103.2 indicates that, while salaries reflect strong compensation for the region, healthcare professionals must consider living expenses when evaluating their net earnings. Outpatient orthopedic clinics, particularly chains like ATI and Athletico, often present competitive salaries, but they also emphasize performance and productivity bonuses that impact overall pay. The discrepancy in salaries can be driven by factors such as clinic ownership, specialization credentials (like OCS or SCS), and whether practitioners engage in cash-pay practices versus insurance-reimbursed work. To maximize earnings potential in Norfolk, physical therapists might consider seeking board certification, evaluating positions in high-demand specialties, and engaging with employers who offer salary structures that reward productivity effectively.
More salary data for Norfolk, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapists make in Norfolk, VA in 2026?
Is Norfolk, VA a good place to work as a physical therapist?
Can physical therapists make $100K in Norfolk?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted physical therapist salary in Norfolk?
How much does a physical therapist make per hour in Norfolk?
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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 $102,345 for physical therapistsin the Norfolk 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 Norfolk 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