Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Bristol, VA: $49.06 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Bristol, VA runs $49.06 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $102,046 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Bristol's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $47.54 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $61,223 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the median hourly pay for an occupational therapist in Bristol, VA, stands at $49.06, slightly below the national median of $49.71. This hourly rate caters well to both part-time and per-diem workers operating in diverse settings such as hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient clinics, among others. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, the flexibility can lead to an appealing work-life balance while still earning a substantial income. The hourly pay can vary significantly, with entry-level therapists at around $37.32 and top earners reaching up to $60.96. Given that these estimates are derived from projected annual salary figures, they illustrate the potential earnings for both new and seasoned occupational therapy professionals in Bristol.
About the Bristol Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($90,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.32 | $298.54 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.25 | $330.04 |
| Median (P50) | $49.06 | $392.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55.86 | $446.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60.96 | $487.68 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bristol
Based on $49.06/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.06/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bristol, VA can expect to earn approximately $102,038 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,868. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bristol.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bristol
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,962.26 | $8,503 | $102,038 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,177.36 | $5,102 | $61,223 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $784.90 | $3,401 | $40,815 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Bristol) | $49.06 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (National Avg) | $33.15 |
| Physical Therapist (National Avg) | $48.65 |
| Speech-Language Pathologist (National Avg) | $43.80 |
| Recreational Therapist (National Avg) | $27.50 |
Occupational Therapists in Bristol, VA earn a median of $102,046 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.31% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 0.40% below the Virginia state average of $102,456.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.06/hr = $61,223/year (purchasing power: $59,324).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $102,038/year (purchasing power: $98,874).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$40.30/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.60/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.06/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Bristol (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40.30/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.93/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $40.60/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $44.21/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $45.72/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.94/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.60/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.06/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.56/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Bristol grew 18.1% from $40.30/hr (2019) to $47.60/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.56/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem occupational therapists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bristol metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.06% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Occupational Therapist in Bristol
Examining the financial landscape for part-time and per-diem occupational therapists in Bristol reveals interesting dynamics. An occupational therapist working a part-time schedule, for instance, might earn roughly $61,000 annually when clocking in 24 hours each week, a notable figure that indicates the viability of part-time roles in securing a solid income. On the flip side, per-diem occupational therapists can find their rates significantly higher, often charging $50-$75 per hour, and specialized hand therapists with CHT credentials can demand even more, typically between $80-$110 in cash-pay practices. Travel contracts further amplify potential earnings, with rates that can range from $1,800 to $2,800 weekly. This variance based on employer type—be it skilled nursing, outpatient therapy, or school districts—illustrates the trade-offs in benefits against higher hourly rates. With negotiation being a crucial skill, therapists should consider the total compensation package, including health insurance, when evaluating positions in Bristol.
More salary data for Bristol, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Bristol in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Bristol?
Are occupational therapists in Bristol paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Bristol?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Bristol?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for occupational therapists in Bristol. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bristol is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.06%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for occupational therapists (SOC 29-1122).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Miller, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov