Richmond vs Winchester: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist salaries between Richmond, VA and Winchester, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Richmond, VA | Winchester, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $108,780 | $109,800▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $52.29 | $52.79▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,284 | $88,477▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $86,704 | $89,332▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $122,301 | $136,503▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $126,207 | $136,503▲ |
| Total Employed | 740▲ | 140 |
Verdict
Winchester, VA offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Richmond.
The salary gap between Richmond and Winchester is $1,020 (0.94%). Winchester's median is +6.19% compared to the US national median of $103,400.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Richmond spans $46,923,Winchester spans $48,026. Winchester 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, Winchester ($113,841 effective) pays 2.41% more than Richmond ($111,161 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Richmond if…
- ✓Larger job market (740 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Winchester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($109,800/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($136,503)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $113,841)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Richmond grew 23.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 22.8% growth in Winchester over the same period.
Richmond, VA
$85,620 (2019) → $105,550 (2025)
Winchester, VA
$86,760 (2019) → $106,540 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Richmond, VA
Winchester, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: Richmond or Winchester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Richmond and Winchester?
Should I relocate from Richmond to Winchester as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Richmond vs Winchester?
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