Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Winchester, VA: $52.79 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Winchester, VA runs $52.79 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $109,800 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Winchester's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.5, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $54.73 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $65,879 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Winchester, Virginia, the projected hourly median pay for an occupational therapist stands at $52.79, which reflects a notable increase compared to the national hourly median of $49.71. This competitive hourly rate offers flexible opportunities for both part-time and per-diem occupational therapists working across various settings, such as hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient clinics. For those considering a part-time schedule of three days a week, this rate translates into earning potential that can sustain a balanced lifestyle while still engaging in meaningful work. With an hourly range extending from $42.54 at the entry-level to $65.63 for top earners, aspiring OTs in Winchester can expect a significant return on their investment of education and training, especially in light of the demand for highly skilled professionals in this field. This data is sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates for 2026 based on 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42.54 | $340.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.95 | $343.56 |
| Median (P50) | $52.79 | $422.30 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $65.63 | $525.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $65.63 | $525.03 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Winchester
Based on $52.79/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $52.79/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Winchester, VA can expect to earn approximately $109,798 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $63,345. With a cost-of-living index of 96.45 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Winchester.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Winchester
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,111.49 | $9,150 | $109,798 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,266.90 | $5,490 | $65,879 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $844.60 | $3,660 | $43,919 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Winchester) | $52.79 |
| 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 Winchester, VA earn a median of $109,800 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.19% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 7.20% above the Virginia state average of $102,425.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $52.79/hr = $65,879/year (purchasing power: $68,303).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $109,798/year (purchasing power: $113,839).
CoL index: 96.45 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$41.71/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$51.22/hr
2026 Current Est.
$52.79/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Winchester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41.71/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $42.01/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.82/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $41.71/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $46.88/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.26/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $51.22/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52.79/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54.40/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Winchester grew 22.8% from $41.71/hr (2019) to $51.22/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $54.40/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 Winchester 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 Winchester
Potential earnings for part-time occupational therapists are particularly appealing, given a typical work week of 24 hours. This part-time arrangement allows for an annual income that can still exceed $66,000, a figure that can be quite attractive depending on lifestyle choices and commitments. Additionally, per diem occupational therapist pay in Winchester can vary widely, with rates typically billed between $50 and $75 per hour; however, those with specialized certification in hand therapy, such as the CHT credential, may command rates up to $110 per hour in cash-pay settings. Travel contracts for OTs often yield between $1,800 and $2,800 weekly, showcasing the high demand for occupational therapy services. Employers like skilled nursing facilities and school districts may offer lower hourly rates but can provide health insurance and pension plans, attracting candidates who value benefits over higher pay. For those negotiating their pay, consider clearly articulating your expertise and potential contributions, aligning your skills with the employer's needs while being flexible in discussions about benefits and scheduling.
More salary data for Winchester, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Winchester in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Winchester?
Are occupational therapists in Winchester 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 Winchester. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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