Newport News vs Virginia Beach: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist salaries between Newport News, VA and Virginia Beach, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Newport News, VA | Virginia Beach, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $103,238▲ | $102,442 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.63▲ | $49.25 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,969▲ | $49,469 |
| 25th Percentile | $86,377▲ | $81,974 |
| 75th Percentile | $123,103▲ | $120,055 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $140,841▲ | $135,390 |
| Total Employed | 39 | 830▲ |
Verdict
Newport News, VA offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Virginia Beach.
The salary gap between Newport News and Virginia Beach is $796 (0.78%). Newport News's median is -0.16% compared to the US national median of $103,400.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Newport News spans $64,872,Virginia Beach spans $85,921. Virginia Beach has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced occupational therapists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Virginia Beach ($104,596 effective) pays 4.56% more than Newport News ($100,037 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Newport News if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($103,238/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($140,841)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Virginia Beach if…
- ✓Larger job market (830 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $104,596)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Newport News grew 7.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 13.2% growth in Virginia Beach over the same period.
Newport News, VA
$93,602 (2024) → $100,173 (2025)
Virginia Beach, VA
$87,790 (2019) → $99,400 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Newport News, VA
Virginia Beach, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: Newport News or Virginia Beach?
What is the hourly rate difference between Newport News and Virginia Beach?
Should I relocate from Newport News to Virginia Beach as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Newport News vs Virginia Beach?
Written by Jordan Miller, OTR/L
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in occupational therapy. They specialize in pediatrics and work in a rehabilitation clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.06% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Miller, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov