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Physical Therapist Assistant in Virginia: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start

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Virginia employs 3,370 physical therapist assistants, with a statewide median of $73,760 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Virginia licensing picture, and where to train.

What Physical therapist assistants Earn in Virginia (May 2025)

Virginia median pay: $73,760 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $54,170
Experienced (75th percentile): $80,400
Top earners (90th percentile): $93,600
Employed in Virginia: 3,370
U.S. median (for comparison): $65,510 (May 2024)

Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for physical therapist assistants in major Virginia markets:

Washington DC metro: $78,790 (1,340 employed)
Lynchburg: $75,420 (150 employed)
Charlottesville: $74,010 (80 employed)
Richmond: $73,640 (560 employed)
Virginia Beach–Norfolk: $73,300 (790 employed)
Roanoke: $67,140 (130 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in Virginia

Prices in Virginia run about 1% above the national average (cost-of-living index 101.1 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $73,760 median is worth closer to $72,957 once higher local prices are factored in.

Job Outlook in Virginia (2024–2034)

Virginia is projected to grow physical therapist assistants employment +30.0%, faster than the +22.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 630 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Virginia License and Certification Requirements

Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) license — regulated by the Virginia Board of Physical Therapy (Department of Health Professions).

Complete a CAPTE-accredited PTA associate degree program (about 2 years including clinical rotations).
Pass the National Physical Therapy Exam for PTAs (NPTE-PTA) through FSBPT.
Apply for the Virginia PTA license through the Department of Health Professions. PTAs in Virginia practice under general supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist. Renew biennially with continuing education.

Official requirements: Virginia Board of Physical Therapy (Department of Health Professions) →

Training in Virginia

Virginia CAPTE-accredited PTA programs include those at Northern Virginia Community College, Tidewater Community College, Jefferson College of Health Sciences (Roanoke), and Southwest Virginia Community College. The combination of the Northern VA tech-worker population (sports and orthopedic PT demand), Hampton Roads military population (rehab demand), and statewide aging demographics creates broad geographic opportunities.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Virginia include:

American National University — Associate
Bryant & Stratton College-Virginia Beach — Associate
Chester Career College — Associate
ECPI University — Associate

Where Physical therapist assistants Work in Virginia

Real Virginia outpatient rehab clinics that employ physical therapist assistants include:

Select Physical Therapy — Alexandria
National Rehabilitation Hospital Inc — Arlington
Powerback Rehabilitation — Arlington
Select Physical Therapy — Arlington
Ashby Ponds Outpatient Rehabilitation Agency — Ashburn
Select Physical Therapy — Ashland

Is This the Right Move for You?

Best for: People who like active work and helping patients make visible progress.

Think twice if: You need low-contact work or dislike repetitive coaching and physical assistance.

Why it's resilient: Rehab work is physical, relationship-based, adaptive, and centered on coaching real movement.

First Steps

Look for CAPTE-accredited PTA programs in your state.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do physical therapist assistants make in Virginia?

The median wage for physical therapist assistants in Virginia is $73,760 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $54,170, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $93,600. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

What license or certification do you need to become a Physical Therapist Assistant in Virginia?

Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) license, overseen by the Virginia Board of Physical Therapy (Department of Health Professions). Complete a CAPTE-accredited PTA associate degree program (about 2 years including clinical rotations).

Is being a Physical Therapist Assistant a good career in Virginia?

Rehab work is physical, relationship-based, adaptive, and centered on coaching real movement.

Which Virginia metros pay physical therapist assistants the most?

Among Virginia metro areas, Washington DC metro leads at $78,790, followed by Lynchburg ($75,420), Charlottesville ($74,010). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.

Where can I train to become a Physical Therapist Assistant in Virginia?

Real Virginia options include American National University, Bryant & Stratton College-Virginia Beach, Chester Career College. Most physical therapist assistants start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.

Is Physical Therapist Assistant a growing career in Virginia?

Virginia projects physical therapist assistants employment to change +30.0% from 2024 to 2034, with about 630 openings a year — a growing field in the state.

Sources and Verification

Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Virginia statewide and metro estimates for SOC 31-2021. Licensing summary compiled from the Virginia Board of Physical Therapy (Department of Health Professions) (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.

BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Virginia wages · Virginia licensing/certification source

Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities; Employer lists from CMS Provider of Services, the FAA Part 145 directory, EIA Form 860, and USGS/state EMS registries (2026).

Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.