Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Chesapeake, VA: $49.44 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Chesapeake, VA runs $49.44 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $102,839 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Chesapeake's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $47.90 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $61,698 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapists in Chesapeake, Virginia can expect a median hourly pay of $49.44, which is slightly below the national median of $49.71 for 2026. This competitive hourly rate offers a promising opportunity for both full-time and part-time therapists, especially those working three days a week in various settings, such as hospital rehab units, skilled nursing facilities, school districts, and outpatient clinics. For entry-level positions, hourly rates begin around $32.23, whereas seasoned professionals can command rates up to $69.94. These figures are projected estimates based on 2025 BLS data, reflecting the evolving landscape of occupational therapy in VA and the increasing demand for skilled practitioners.
About the Chesapeake 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) | $32.23 | $257.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.12 | $328.97 |
| Median (P50) | $49.44 | $395.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60.26 | $482.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $69.94 | $559.49 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chesapeake
Based on $49.44/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.44/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chesapeake, VA can expect to earn approximately $102,831 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $59,325. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Chesapeake.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chesapeake
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,977.52 | $8,569 | $102,831 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,186.51 | $5,142 | $61,698 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $791.01 | $3,428 | $41,132 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Chesapeake) | $49.44 |
| 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 Chesapeake, VA earn a median of $102,839 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.54% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 0.40% above the Virginia state average of $102,430.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.44/hr = $61,698/year (purchasing power: $59,785).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $102,831/year (purchasing power: $99,642).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$40.62/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.97/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.44/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Chesapeake (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40.62/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $41.25/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $40.91/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $44.55/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $46.08/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $46.17/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.97/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.44/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.95/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Chesapeake grew 18.1% from $40.62/hr (2019) to $47.97/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.95/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 Chesapeake 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 Chesapeake
Evaluating the earning potential for part-time occupational therapists reveals distinct financial dynamics. A therapist working three days a week, totalling 24 hours, could expect to earn approximately $61,843 annually, a significant sum when compared to full-time colleagues. For those pursuing per diem work, agency rates typically range from $50 to $75 per hour, and certified hand therapists (CHTs) can achieve even higher compensation, often earning between $80 to $110 per hour in cash-pay settings. In Chesapeake, pay rates can vary significantly depending on the type of employer; skilled nursing facilities and health agencies may offer more stable jobs with benefits, while independent or contract work often pays higher rates but lacks job security and health coverage. Negotiating for hourly pay requires understanding these benefits and strategically presenting your experience, especially when considering the trade-offs between higher direct payment versus comprehensive employment packages.
More salary data for Chesapeake, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Chesapeake in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Chesapeake?
Are occupational therapists in Chesapeake paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Chesapeake?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Chesapeake?
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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 Chesapeake. 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 Chesapeake 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