Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Burke, VA: $48.63 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Burke, VA runs $48.63 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $101,161 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Burke's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $47.13 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,695 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Burke, Virginia, the occupational therapist hourly pay stands at $48.63, slightly below the national median of $49.71. This hourly rate reflects the competitive wage environment for occupational therapists working in various settings such as hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient clinics. Part-time workers who average three days a week can expect to earn about $1,165.44 weekly before taxes, adding up to approximately $60,628.88 annually if consistently employed. Entry-level positions may start at around $35.45 per hour, while experienced practitioners can earn up to $62.01 per hour, allowing for a broad spectrum of income levels throughout the profession. Understanding the nuances of the hourly pay structure can help potential occupational therapists in Burke navigate their career and compensation options effectively.
About the Burke 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) | $35.45 | $283.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.97 | $319.73 |
| Median (P50) | $48.63 | $389.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55.89 | $447.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62.01 | $496.09 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Burke
Based on $48.63/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.63/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Burke, VA can expect to earn approximately $101,159 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,361. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Burke.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Burke
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,945.36 | $8,430 | $101,159 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,167.22 | $5,058 | $60,695 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $778.14 | $3,372 | $40,463 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Burke) | $48.63 |
| 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 Burke, VA earn a median of $101,161 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.17% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 1.30% below the Virginia state average of $102,493.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.63/hr = $60,695/year (purchasing power: $58,813).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $101,159/year (purchasing power: $98,022).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$39.96/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.19/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.63/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Burke (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.96/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.58/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $40.25/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $43.83/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $45.33/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $44.10/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.19/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.63/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.12/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Burke grew 18.1% from $39.96/hr (2019) to $47.19/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.12/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 Burke 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 Burke
Considering the earning potential for part-time or per-diem occupational therapists, working a standard 24-hour week can yield substantial differences when compared to full-time wages. Per-diem positions, which can command $50 to $75 per hour, provide flexibility, yet they may lack benefits that full-time roles offer. Specialized hand therapists with a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential frequently earn between $80 and $110 per hour in cash-pay practices, reflecting the premium that expertise demands. In Burke, hourly rates can differ significantly based on the type of employer, with skilled nursing facilities typically offering lower rates compared to acute rehab hospitals or private outpatient clinics. Therapists often need to weigh the benefits of health insurance against higher hourly pay that comes without benefits. For those negotiating hourly rates, emphasizing specialized skills and market research on competitive pay can provide leverage in discussions with potential employers.
More salary data for Burke, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Burke in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Burke?
Are occupational therapists in Burke paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Burke?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Burke?
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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 Burke. 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 Burke 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