Healthcare Chesapeake, VA Pop. 249,422

Physical Therapist Salary in Chesapeake, Virginia

The median physical therapist salary in Chesapeake, VA is $97,720 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median and 5.7% below the Virginia state average.

City Median
$97,720
vs State Avg
$-5,863
vs National
+$0
Cost of Living
98%

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

Chesapeake offers a median physical therapist salary of $97,720, which is $5,863 below the Virginia state average of $103,583. Compared to the national median of $97,720, Chesapeake pays above average for this role.

Chesapeake's cost of living is 98% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for physical therapists in Chesapeake spans from $66,800 at the 10th percentile to $130,200 at the 90th percentile — a $63,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $68,000, while senior physical therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $128,000. With a population of 249,422, Chesapeake is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Physical Therapist Salary in Chesapeake by Experience

In Chesapeake, an entry-level physical therapist earns around $68,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $128,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$68,000
+$0 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$98,000
+$0 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$128,000
+$0 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chesapeake, VA

Percentile Chesapeake
10th Percentile $66,800
25th Percentile $80,200
Median (50th) $97,720
75th Percentile $116,400
90th Percentile $130,200

Physical Therapist Salary in Other Virginia Cities

Arlington, VA
$130,945
Pop. 238,643
Virginia Beach, VA
$101,629
Pop. 449,974
Richmond, VA
$99,674
Pop. 226,610
Norfolk, VA
$95,766
Pop. 238,005

How to Become a Physical Therapist in Chesapeake

Education

Most physical therapist positions require a doctoral degree. Chesapeake 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 Chesapeake may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Physical Therapist Jobs in Chesapeake

Browse open physical therapist positions in Chesapeake, VA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Physical Therapist Salary in Chesapeake

How much does a Physical Therapist make in Chesapeake, VA? ▼
The median physical therapist salary in Chesapeake, Virginia is $97,720 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median of $97,720. Salaries range from $66,800 (10th percentile) to $130,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physical Therapist make per hour in Chesapeake? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $97,720, a physical therapist in Chesapeake earns approximately $47 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chesapeake compare to the Virginia state average for physical therapist pay? ▼
Chesapeake's median physical therapist salary of $97,720 is 5.7% below the Virginia state average of $103,583. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Chesapeake, VA? ▼
Chesapeake has a cost of living index of 98% compared to the national average. This means a physical therapist salary of $97,720 in Chesapeake has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physical therapist in Chesapeake? ▼
Most physical therapist positions in Chesapeake 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.