Physical Therapist in Virginia Beach, VA

The Salary Picture: Where Virginia Beach Stands

Virginia Beach offers a strong compensation package for Physical Therapists (PTs), with a median salary that sits slightly below the national average but is significantly bolstered by a lower cost of living. The median salary for a Physical Therapist in Virginia Beach is $98,932/year, translating to an hourly rate of $47.56/hour. For context, the national average for PTs is $99,710/year. This places Virginia Beach in a competitive position, especially when you factor in the local economic landscape. The metro area supports 907 PT jobs, and the 10-year job growth projection is a healthy 14%, indicating sustained demand driven by an aging population and the city's active, sports-minded community.

To understand where you might fit, here's a breakdown by experience level. These are estimated ranges based on local market data and the provided median.

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary Range
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$78,000 - $90,000
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$92,000 - $105,000
Senior-Level	8-15 years	$106,000 - $125,000
Expert/Specialist	15+ years/Board Certified	$120,000 - $140,000+

When compared to other major Virginia cities, Virginia Beach holds its own. While Northern Virginia (NoVA) often boasts higher salaries (median around $105,000), its cost of living is dramatically higher. Richmond, the state capital, has a slightly lower median salary (approximately $95,000) and a lower cost of living, but with fewer coastal and large-scale military medical opportunities. Virginia Beach presents a compelling balance: a solid paycheck that goes further than in the D.C. suburbs, with a unique job market tied to military health.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's break down what a PT earning the median salary of $98,932 can expect in Virginia Beach. This is a practical look at the numbers, not a promotional budget.

Estimated Monthly Take-Home (After Taxes):
Assuming a standard filing status (single, no dependents) and including federal, state (5.75% flat rate), and FICA taxes, a PT earning $98,932 would take home approximately $5,800 - $6,000 per month. This is a conservative estimate; deductions for health insurance, retirement (like a 403b), and other benefits will adjust this figure.

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Gross Annual Salary: $98,932
• Estimated Monthly Take-Home: $5,900
• Average 1BR Rent: $1,287/month
• Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet): $150 - $200
• Groceries: $400 - $500
• Car Payment/Insurance/Gas: $400 - $600 (Virginia Beach is a car-dependent city)
• Health Insurance & Retirement Savings (10%): $825
• Discretionary/Entertainment: $1,000 - $1,500

After essential expenses, a single PT would have a comfortable cushion for savings, dining out, beach activities, and travel. The key is that the $1,287 average rent is very manageable on this income, leaving room for other financial goals.

Can they afford to buy a home?
Yes, absolutely. With a median salary of $98,932, a PT in Virginia Beach is well-positioned for homeownership. The median home price in Virginia Beach is approximately $385,000. A standard 20% down payment would be $77,000. While saving this requires discipline, it's a realistic goal within 5-7 years for a disciplined saver, especially if roommates or a partner are in the picture. Monthly mortgage payments (including taxes and insurance) on a $385,000 home would likely be around $2,200 - $2,400, which is higher than rent but builds equity. Many PTs in the area opt for townhomes or condos in the $280,000 - $350,000 range as a starter home.

Where the Jobs Are: Virginia Beach's Major Employers

The job market for PTs in Virginia Beach is robust and diverse, anchored by the military, large healthcare systems, and private practices. Here are the key players:

1. Sentara Healthcare: The dominant health system in the region. Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital and the Sentara Princess Anne Hospital are major employers. They have extensive outpatient orthopedic and sports medicine clinics. Hiring is steady, particularly for acute care and outpatient roles. Insider Tip: Sentara values internal mobility and often posts jobs for their network first. Connect with managers on LinkedIn.

2. Bon Secours Mercy Health: Operates Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center in nearby Portsmouth and a network of outpatient therapy clinics in Virginia Beach. They are known for a strong focus on community health and orthopedics. They frequently hire for their outpatient sites in neighborhoods like Kemps River and Princess Anne.

3. Chesapeake Regional Healthcare: While based in Chesapeake, their system is a major regional player and their outpatient physical therapy clinics draw heavily from Virginia Beach residents, especially in the southern part of the city. Their Chesapeake Regional Orthopaedics is a significant employer.

4. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center: Located in Hampton (a short commute), this is a major federal employer offering competitive federal benefits. It's a prime destination for PTs interested in geriatrics, orthopedics, and neurological rehab. Hiring processes are slower but highly stable.

5. Military Health System (MHS): With Naval Air Station Oceana and the Naval Medical Center Portsmouth (serving the region), there are direct civilian opportunities. Defense Health Agency (DHA) jobs are listed on USAJobs.gov. The patient population is unique and the benefits are excellent. Insider Tip: DHA positions often require specific certifications (like Credentialed PT) and can be competitive.

6. Large Private Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Practices: Firms like Tidewater Orthopaedics (with multiple locations) and Atlantic Orthopaedic Specialists are major employers. They often seek PTs with sports residency backgrounds or OCS certification. The pay can be higher here due to productivity bonuses.

7. Home Health Agencies: Companies like Kindred at Home and Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) of Chesapeake and Virginia Beach have large footprints. This is a growing sector for PTs who prefer autonomous work and home visits, though it requires strong time management and travel.

Hiring Trends: There's high demand for PTs in orthopedics, sports medicine, and geriatrics. The rise of direct-access (where patients can see a PT without a physician's referral) is changing the landscape, with more private practices marketing directly to consumers. The military and VA sectors provide stable, long-term employment but can have bureaucratic hiring processes.

Getting Licensed in VA

Virginia has a straightforward licensing process through the Virginia Board of Physical Therapy.

Requirements:

1. Education: Graduate from a CAPTE-accredited DPT program.
2. Examination: Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) for PTs.
3. Jurisprudence Exam: Pass the Virginia Jurisprudence Assessment Module (JAM), a 60-question, open-book exam on state laws and regulations. It's available online and costs $50.
4. Background Check: Submit fingerprints for a criminal background check through the Virginia State Police ($50 fee).
5. Application Fee: The initial license application fee is $170.

Total Estimated Initial Cost: $270 (excluding the NPTE exam fee, which is national and typically ~$500).

Timeline to Get Started:

• If you're a recent graduate: Plan on 3-4 months. You can take the NPTE and JAM before graduation. Once you have your diploma and pass scores, you can submit your application. Virginia is fairly efficient; expect your license within 4-6 weeks after a complete application.
• If you're licensed in another state: Virginia is part of the Physical Therapy Compact (PT Compact). If your home state is a member, you can obtain a "Compact Privilege" to practice in Virginia without getting a full license, which is a huge time-saver. For non-compact states, the process is similar to the initial license but may require additional verification, taking 2-3 months.

Insider Tip: The Virginia Board's website is clear. Start your JAM and background check process as soon as you pass the NPTE. Delays often come from incomplete applications or missing transcripts.

Best Neighborhoods for Physical Therapists

Virginia Beach is a vast, sprawling city. Choosing the right neighborhood is crucial for commute and lifestyle.

1. Kemps River / Princess Anne: This is the hub for healthcare. Sentara Princess Anne Hospital is here, and it's packed with outpatient clinics. It's suburban, family-friendly, with good schools. Commutes are short if you work in this zone.

   • Avg. 1BR Rent: $1,350 - $1,500/month.
   • Best for: PTs who want a short commute to major medical centers, suburban living, and easy access to the beach via General Booth Blvd.

2. Oceanfront / North End: The iconic beachfront strip, including neighborhoods like Alanton and Baycliff. It's more expensive and touristy, but offers a vibrant, walkable lifestyle. Many private practice PTs and sports medicine clinics here cater to an active, affluent population.

   • Avg. 1BR Rent: $1,500 - $1,800+/month.
   • Best for: PTs who prioritize lifestyle over commute, want to be near the action, and don't mind a 15-25 minute drive to the major hospital campuses.

3. Town Center / Central: The commercial and retail heart of the city. Offers a mix of apartments and townhomes. It's centrally located, with easy access to I-264 for commuting east or west. Home to many corporate offices and some medical clinics.

   • Avg. 1BR Rent: $1,300 - $1,450/month.
   • Best for: PTs who want a central location, urban amenities (shopping, dining), and a reasonable commute to both the oceanfront and hospital districts.

4. Chesapeake Beach / Northampton: A quieter, residential area on the bay side of the peninsula. It's more affordable and has a strong community feel. It's a short drive to the oceanfront and to Sentara Virginia Beach General.

   • Avg. 1BR Rent: $1,100 - $1,300/month.
   • Best for: PTs seeking affordability, a slower pace, and easy access to both the Bay and the Ocean. Commutes are manageable.

5. Great Neck / Strawbridge: A large, master-planned community with a mix of single-family homes and condos. It's known for its parks, trails, and the large First Colonial shopping area. It's a popular spot for young professionals and families.

   • Avg. 1BR Rent: $1,250 - $1,400/month.
   • Best for: PTs who want a suburban feel with amenities, parks for an active lifestyle, and good access to both Sentara Virginia Beach General and the oceanfront.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Virginia Beach offers solid long-term career prospects for ambitious PTs.

Specialty Premiums and Advancement Paths:

• Board Certification (OCS, SCS, NCS, etc.): Earning a specialty certification can increase salary by $5,000 - $15,000 annually. Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) is highly valued in the private practice and sports medicine market. Sports Clinical Specialist (SCS) is sought after by the many high schools, colleges, and private sports performance centers in the area.
• Management/Clinical Director: Moving into a lead PT or clinic director role at a larger system like Sentara or a private practice chain can push salaries into the $115,000 - $135,000 range, with bonuses tied to clinic performance.
• Academia: Adjunct professor roles at Old Dominion University (in Norfolk, a 20-minute drive) or Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) can supplement income and build a professional network.
• Entrepreneurship: The direct-access trend and the affluent, active population create opportunities for cash-based PT services (e.g., pelvic health, performance training, specialized concussion rehab). Starting a niche practice is a viable long-term goal.

10-Year Outlook:
With 14% job growth, the market is expanding. The aging population will continue to drive demand in geriatrics and orthopedics. The military population provides a stable base. The key to advancement will be specialization and leadership. PTs who develop skills in niche areas (like vestibular rehab, pelvic health, or orthopedic manual therapy) will be in the highest demand and command the top of the salary range. The trend toward outpatient care and direct access is likely to continue, opening more doors in private practice.

The Verdict: Is Virginia Beach Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Strong Salary-to-Cost-of-Living Ratio: Your $98,932 median salary goes further here than in many other metro areas.	Car-Dependent City: Public transit is limited. You'll need a reliable car, and commutes can be long if you live far from your job.
Diverse Job Market: From military health and large hospitals to private sports clinics and home health, options are plentiful.	Summer Crowds & Tourist Season: From May to September, the oceanfront and major roads can be heavily congested.
Outdoor Lifestyle: Unbeatable access to the Atlantic Ocean, Chesapeake Bay, parks, and trails for an active lifestyle.	Public School Variability: School quality can vary significantly by neighborhood; research is essential for families.
Growth & Stability: 14% job growth and a stable military-backed economy offer long-term security.	Limited Public Transit: If you don't drive, daily life is challenging.
No State Income Tax on Social Security: While Virginia has a state income tax, it doesn't tax Social Security benefits, which is a plus for retirement planning.	Humidity: The coastal humidity, especially in summer, can be a shock for those not used to it.

Final Recommendation:
Virginia Beach is an excellent choice for Physical Therapists seeking a balance of professional opportunity and quality of life. It's ideal for those who value an active, outdoor lifestyle, want a manageable cost of living, and are looking for a stable job market with growth potential. It's particularly well-suited for PTs with an interest in orthopedics, sports medicine, or military/veteran health. If you're a city-dweller who craves a dense, walkable urban core without a car, this may not be the best fit. But for most PTs, Virginia Beach offers a compelling package of a solid salary ($98,932), beautiful surroundings, and a robust career path.

FAQs

1. How competitive is the job market for new PT graduates in Virginia Beach?
The market is moderately competitive. With 907 jobs in the metro, there are openings, but new grads are competing with experienced PTs and those relocating. Your best bet is to apply early (3-6 months before graduation), target larger employers like Sentara that have structured new grad residencies, and be open to starting in home health or acute care to get your foot in the door.

2. Is the military presence a factor in civilian PT jobs?
Absolutely. While direct civilian jobs on base can be competitive, the large military population creates a high demand for outpatient orthopedic and sports medicine PTs off-base to serve active-duty service members, veterans, and their families. Many private practices explicitly market to this population.

3. What's the commute like from different neighborhoods?
Traffic is concentrated on I-264 (the main east-west artery) and the Virginia Beach Blvd/Great Neck Rd corridors. A commute from Princess Anne to the Oceanfront can take 25-30 minutes in peak traffic. From the North End to Sentara Princess Anne can be 20-25 minutes. Living centrally in Town Center or Kemps River often minimizes drive times to most major employers.

4. Are there opportunities for PTs to work in schools or sports?
Yes. Virginia Beach City Public Schools employs PTs for early intervention and special education. The city's strong sports culture (high schools, amateur leagues, ODU in Norfolk) creates demand for sports medicine PTs. Many private clinics specialize in this area. A sports residency or SCS certification is a major advantage here.

5. How does direct access impact PTs in Virginia Beach?
Virginia is a full direct-access state, meaning patients can see a PT for 30 days without a physician's referral. This has empowered private practices to market directly to consumers. For PTs, it means more autonomy and the potential to build a cash-based or direct-pay practice alongside insurance-based work. It's a growing trend that favors entrepreneurial-minded therapists.

*Data Sources