Physical Therapist Salary in Arlington, VA: $130,945 (2026)

Physical Therapist Pay in Arlington: What to Expect (2026)

Arlington offers a median physical therapist salary of $130,945, which is $27,362 above the Virginia state average of $103,583. Compared to the national median of $97,720, Arlington pays above average for this role.

However, Arlington's cost of living index is 132%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $130,945 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $99,201. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Arlington should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for physical therapists in Arlington spans from $89,512 at the 10th percentile to $174,468 at the 90th percentile — a $84,956 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $91,120, while senior physical therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $171,520. With a population of 238,643, Arlington is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Physical Therapist Salary in Arlington by Experience

In Arlington, an entry-level physical therapist earns around $91,120, while experienced professionals earn up to $171,520 per year. The local cost of living index is 132% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$91,120

+$23,120 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$131,320

+$33,320 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$171,520

+$43,520 vs national

Percentile	Arlington	VA State	National
10th Percentile	$89,512	$70,808	$66,800
25th Percentile	$107,468	$85,012	$80,200
Median (50th)	$130,945	$103,583	$97,720
75th Percentile	$155,976	$123,384	$116,400
90th Percentile	$174,468	$138,012	$130,200

Percentile

Arlington

10th Percentile

$89,512

25th Percentile

$107,468

Median (50th)

$130,945

75th Percentile

$155,976

90th Percentile

$174,468

How to Become a Physical Therapist in Arlington

Education

Most physical therapist positions require a doctoral degree. Arlington and the surrounding Virginia area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Manual TherapyExercise PrescriptionPatient AssessmentRehabilitationAnatomyDocumentation

Job Outlook

Nationally, physical therapist employment is projected to grow 15% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Arlington may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Physical Therapist Salary in Arlington

How much does a Physical Therapist make in Arlington, VA? ▼

The median physical therapist salary in Arlington, Virginia is $130,945 per year, which is 34.0% above the national median of $97,720. Salaries range from $89,512 (10th percentile) to $174,468 (90th percentile).

How much does a Physical Therapist make per hour in Arlington? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $130,945, a physical therapist in Arlington earns approximately $63 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Arlington compare to the Virginia state average for physical therapist pay? ▼

Arlington's median physical therapist salary of $130,945 is 26.4% above the Virginia state average of $103,583. The local cost of living index is 132% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Arlington, VA? ▼

Arlington has a cost of living index of 132% compared to the national average. This means a physical therapist salary of $130,945 in Arlington has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a physical therapist in Arlington? ▼

Most physical therapist positions in Arlington require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Manual Therapy, Exercise Prescription, Patient Assessment, Rehabilitation. The job market is projected to grow 15% nationally over the next decade.

Physical Therapist Salary in Arlington, Virginia