A method and system is disclosed for dynamic adaptation of reverse-link power control based on the distribution of ATs implementing different protocol versions. An access terminal in a wireless communication system that includes a base station may operate in a first state in which, at least, the access terminal uses a first protocol for determining and adjusting transmission power on a reverse link of an air interface with the base station. While operating in the first state, responsive to receiving a protocol version message from the base station on a forward link of the air interface, the access terminal will transition to operating in a second state in which, at least, the access terminal uses a second protocol for determining and adjusting transmission power on the reverse link of the air interface with the base station. The first protocol is different from the second protocol.