Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Williamsburg, VA: $46.63 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Williamsburg, VA runs $46.63 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $97,007 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Williamsburg's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $45.19 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $58,200 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Williamsburg, Virginia, the occupational therapist hourly pay stands at a median rate of $46.63. This figure reflects a slight adjustment below the national median of $49.71, indicating how local market conditions influence earnings. For occupational therapists working part-time, such as three days a week, this rate translates into versatility in workload and income potential, especially in settings like hospital rehab units and school therapy rooms. The hourly range extends from $34.24 at the 10th percentile to $59.36 at the 90th percentile, accommodating both entry-level practitioners and seasoned experts. These rates are derived from annual salary estimates and illustrate the competitive landscape for occupational therapists in Williamsburg as they navigate their career paths.
About the Williamsburg 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) | $34.24 | $273.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.32 | $306.54 |
| Median (P50) | $46.63 | $373.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51.26 | $410.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59.36 | $474.90 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Williamsburg
Based on $46.63/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $46.63/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Williamsburg, VA can expect to earn approximately $97,000 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $55,962. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Williamsburg.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Williamsburg
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,865.39 | $8,083 | $97,000 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,119.23 | $4,850 | $58,200 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $746.15 | $3,233 | $38,800 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Williamsburg) | $46.63 |
| 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 Williamsburg, VA earn a median of $97,007 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.18% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 5.30% below the Virginia state average of $102,436.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $46.63/hr = $58,200/year (purchasing power: $56,395).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $97,000/year (purchasing power: $93,992).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$38.31/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$45.25/hr
2026 Current Est.
$46.63/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Williamsburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38.31/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $38.91/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.59/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $42.03/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $43.46/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.29/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $45.25/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46.63/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48.06/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Williamsburg grew 18.1% from $38.31/hr (2019) to $45.25/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $48.06/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 Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg
An occupational therapist working a 24-hour week in Williamsburg could expect to take home roughly $36,489 annually, significantly lower than what a full-time colleague would earn. Per diem occupational therapist pay in Williamsburg can vary, with professionals billing anywhere from $50 to $75 per hour, positioning those in agency roles to capitalize on flexible work arrangements. Additionally, certified hand therapists (CHTs) can command rates between $80 and $110 per hour in cash-pay practices, making specialization in hand therapy financially advantageous. The employer type greatly influences hourly pay; skilled nursing facilities and early intervention programs may offer lower rates, while mental health facilities could provide higher compensation. Those choosing to accept lower hourly wages often do so for health benefits, emphasizing the trade-offs between pay and job security. Effective negotiation tactics for hourly workers in Williamsburg should focus on emphasizing expertise, specialty credentials, and the demand for occupational therapy services in various sectors.
More salary data for Williamsburg, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Williamsburg in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Williamsburg?
Are occupational therapists in Williamsburg paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Williamsburg?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Williamsburg?
Related Pages
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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 Williamsburg. 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 Williamsburg 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