Sterling vs Virginia Beach: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist salaries between Sterling, VA and Virginia Beach, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Sterling, VA | Virginia Beach, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $98,291 | $102,442▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $47.25 | $49.25▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,656▲ | $49,469 |
| 25th Percentile | $81,111 | $81,974▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $113,292 | $120,055▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $125,871 | $135,390▲ |
| Total Employed | 7 | 830▲ |
Verdict
Virginia Beach, VA offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Sterling.
The salary gap between Sterling and Virginia Beach is $4,151 (4.22%). Virginia Beach's median is -0.93% compared to the US national median of $103,400.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Sterling spans $51,215,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 9.82% more than Sterling ($95,243 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Sterling if…
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Virginia Beach if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($102,442/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($135,390)
- ✓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 Sterling grew 7.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 13.2% growth in Virginia Beach over the same period.
Sterling, VA
$89,117 (2024) → $95,373 (2025)
Virginia Beach, VA
$87,790 (2019) → $99,400 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Sterling, VA
Virginia Beach, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: Sterling or Virginia Beach?
What is the hourly rate difference between Sterling and Virginia Beach?
Should I relocate from Sterling to Virginia Beach as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Sterling 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