Healthcare Norfolk, VA Pop. 238,005

Physical Therapist Salary in Norfolk, Virginia

The median physical therapist salary in Norfolk, VA is $95,766 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 7.5% below the Virginia state average.

City Median
$95,766
vs State Avg
$-7,817
vs National
$-1,954
Cost of Living
96%

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

Norfolk offers a median physical therapist salary of $95,766, which is $7,817 below the Virginia state average of $103,583. Compared to the national median of $97,720, Norfolk pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Norfolk's cost of living is 96% 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 Norfolk spans from $65,464 at the 10th percentile to $127,596 at the 90th percentile — a $62,132 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $66,640, while senior physical therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $125,440. With a population of 238,005, Norfolk is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Physical Therapist Salary in Norfolk by Experience

In Norfolk, an entry-level physical therapist earns around $66,640, while experienced professionals earn up to $125,440 per year. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$66,640
$-1,360 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$96,040
$-1,960 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$125,440
$-2,560 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Norfolk, VA

Percentile Norfolk
10th Percentile $65,464
25th Percentile $78,596
Median (50th) $95,766
75th Percentile $114,072
90th Percentile $127,596

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
Chesapeake, VA
$97,720
Pop. 249,422

How to Become a Physical Therapist in Norfolk

Education

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

Find Physical Therapist Jobs in Norfolk

Browse open physical therapist positions in Norfolk, VA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Physical Therapist Salary in Norfolk

How much does a Physical Therapist make in Norfolk, VA? ▼
The median physical therapist salary in Norfolk, Virginia is $95,766 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $97,720. Salaries range from $65,464 (10th percentile) to $127,596 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physical Therapist make per hour in Norfolk? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $95,766, a physical therapist in Norfolk earns approximately $46 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Norfolk compare to the Virginia state average for physical therapist pay? ▼
Norfolk's median physical therapist salary of $95,766 is 7.5% below the Virginia state average of $103,583. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Norfolk, VA? ▼
Norfolk has a cost of living index of 96% compared to the national average. This means a physical therapist salary of $95,766 in Norfolk has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physical therapist in Norfolk? ▼
Most physical therapist positions in Norfolk 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.