Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in McLean, VA: $48.21 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in McLean, VA runs $48.21 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $100,287 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against McLean's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $46.72 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,168 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In McLean, VA, the occupational therapist hourly pay is projected to be $48.21 in 2026, slightly lower than the national median of $49.71 per hour. This rate provides insight into potential earnings for part-time and per-diem workers, who often operate in various settings such as hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient clinics. Specifically, a part-time occupational therapist working three days a week could earn a competitive wage, while those engaged in per-diem arrangements can take advantage of the flexibility that accompanies such roles. The hourly wage spectrum ranges from $34.39 for entry-level positions to $60.50 for experienced professionals, indicating a substantial variance based on expertise and work setting, with estimates derived from annual salary data that reflect local economic conditions.
About the McLean 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) | $34.39 | $275.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.10 | $312.81 |
| Median (P50) | $48.21 | $385.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54.92 | $439.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60.50 | $483.97 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in McLean
Based on $48.21/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.21/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in McLean, VA can expect to earn approximately $100,280 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $57,854. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in McLean.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in McLean
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,928.46 | $8,357 | $100,280 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,157.08 | $5,014 | $60,168 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $771.38 | $3,343 | $40,112 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (McLean) | $48.21 |
| 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 McLean, VA earn a median of $100,287 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.01% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 2.10% below the Virginia state average of $102,438.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.21/hr = $60,168/year (purchasing power: $58,302).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $100,280/year (purchasing power: $97,170).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$39.61/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.78/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.21/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in McLean (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.61/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.23/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $39.90/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $43.45/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.93/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.71/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.78/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.21/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.69/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in McLean grew 18.1% from $39.61/hr (2019) to $46.78/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.69/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 McLean 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 McLean
Looking more closely at the financial dynamics within McLean, annual earnings for a part-time occupational therapist working a typical 24-hour week would average about $60,000, contrasting sharply with the full-time potential. In the per-diem realm, occupational therapists commonly bill between $50 and $75 an hour, with specialty CHT-credentialed hand therapists achieving rates of $80 to $110 per hour in cash-pay practices. Travel contracts further elevate earning potential, with weekly pay reaching between $1,800 and $2,800. Across various employer types such as schools, mental health facilities, and home health agencies, hourly rates differ, prompting therapists to evaluate the benefits of secure employment against higher hourly wages in freelance or per-diem roles. Negotiation strategies are crucial; knowing the local market and demonstrating credentials can lead to better pay and benefits, particularly in a locality like McLean, where occupational therapists are increasingly in demand.
More salary data for McLean, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in McLean in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in McLean?
Are occupational therapists in McLean paid hourly or salary?
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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 McLean. 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 McLean 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