Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Reston, VA: $48.16 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Reston, VA runs $48.16 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $100,179 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Reston's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $46.67 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,104 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Reston, Virginia, the prevailing occupational therapist hourly pay stands at $48.16, which is slightly below the national median of $49.71. For part-time professionals working three days a week, this translates into a robust earning potential while allowing for flexibility in their schedules. With a range spanning from $35.58 for entry-level positions to $63.33 for seasoned professionals, the hourly wage offers varied opportunities across different settings. Many occupational therapists find fulfilling roles in hospital rehab units, skilled nursing facilities, school therapy rooms, and home health visits, making this compensation accessible for both full-time and per-diem workers. These figures are derived from annual salary data, allowing prospective therapists to gauge what to expect as they enter or advance in the field.
About the Reston 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) | $35.58 | $284.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.12 | $320.97 |
| Median (P50) | $48.16 | $385.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56.36 | $450.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63.33 | $506.64 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Reston
Based on $48.16/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.16/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Reston, VA can expect to earn approximately $100,173 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $57,792. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Reston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Reston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,926.40 | $8,348 | $100,173 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,155.84 | $5,009 | $60,104 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $770.56 | $3,339 | $40,069 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Reston) | $48.16 |
| 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 Reston, VA earn a median of $100,179 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.12% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 2.20% below the Virginia state average of $102,433.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.16/hr = $60,104/year (purchasing power: $58,240).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $100,173/year (purchasing power: $97,067).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$39.57/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.73/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.16/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Reston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.57/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.19/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $39.86/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $43.40/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.89/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.67/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.73/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.16/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.63/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Reston grew 18.1% from $39.57/hr (2019) to $46.73/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.63/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 Reston 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 Reston
Assessing the financial landscape of occupational therapy in Reston reveals compelling insights for those considering part-time opportunities or per-diem work. An occupational therapist working 24 hours a week could earn around $49,495 annually, a significant sum, though still less than full-time peers. Those filling per-diem shifts, particularly in agency or locum roles, often encounter more lucrative options, billing anywhere from $50 to $75 per hour for general practice and even higher for CHT-credentialed hand therapists, who can command rates of $80 to $110 in cash-pay settings. Additionally, travel contracts may offer weekly earnings ranging from $1,800 to $2,800, making them particularly attractive. However, the trade-off between hourly pay and benefits remains crucial, as therapists may choose to accept lower hourly rates in exchange for health insurance coverage. Negotiating hourly rates in Reston requires an understanding of the diverse employer types—ranging from skilled nursing facilities to outpatient clinics—which often influence wage structures. The market demands awareness and adaptability for therapists seeking optimal hourly compensation in this vibrant community.
More salary data for Reston, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Reston in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Reston?
Are occupational therapists in Reston 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 Reston. 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 Reston 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