Occupational Therapist Salary in Virginia: $104,051 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Virginia's 42 metropolitan areas, the average median occupational therapist pay sits at $104,051/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-1122. Because Virginia sits at BEA RPP 103.2 (3% above the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $100,825 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Winchester ($106,540), Richmond ($105,550), Lynchburg ($103,060).
In Virginia, the average median salary for occupational therapists in 2026 is projected at $104,051, which slightly exceeds the national median of $103,400 by 0.6%. The highest-paying city in the state is Winchester, offering $109,800, while Staunton is at the lower end with $89,137, creating a significant gap of $20,663. This difference can be attributed to various factors, including cost of living, local demand for occupational therapy services, and the presence of healthcare facilities. Virginia has specific licensing requirements and scope of practice laws that may influence job opportunities and salary levels. The demand for occupational therapists in the state is on the rise, fueled by an aging population and an increased focus on rehabilitation services, contributing to a growth rate of 3.06% annually. Currently, there are about 2,800 occupational therapists employed across the state. Major cities like Richmond, Lynchburg, Alexandria, and Charlottesville report salaries of $108,780, $106,214, $105,215, and $104,018 respectively, indicating that urban centers tend to offer higher salaries due to elevated demand and cost of living factors. The overall job market for occupational therapy in Virginia shows positive growth prospects as healthcare needs continue to evolve.
Virginia Occupational Therapist Salary Range
Overall salary range in Virginia: $49,469 (lowest entry-level) to $146,335 (highest top earner)
Virginia vs National Average
Virginia occupational therapists earn 0.63% more than the national median (+$651/year difference).
Virginia Occupational Therapist Salary Distribution (2026)
Occupational Therapist salaries in Virginia range from $68,590 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $131,258 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $104,051. The Virginia median is $651 above the US national median of $103,400. The average hourly rate is $50.02/hr. Approximately 2,800 occupational therapists are employed across 42 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$87,398
2025 BLS Actual
$100,962
2026 Current Est.
$104,051
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Virginia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $87,398 | Actual |
| 2020 | $90,918 | Actual |
| 2021 | $94,103 | Actual |
| 2022 | $94,446 | Actual |
| 2023 | $97,467 | Actual |
| 2024 | $98,732 | Actual |
| 2025 | $100,962 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $104,051 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $107,235 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Virginia metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 15.5% from $87,398 (2019) to $100,962 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $107,235 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,837 (22.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Virginia 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.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Virginia
Lowest Paying Cities in Virginia
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Staunton | $89,137 |
| Falls Church | $94,458 |
| Herndon | $95,960 |
| Williamsburg | $97,007 |
| Annandale | $97,194 |
Best Value Cities for Occupational Therapists in Virginia
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Virginia cities offer the most purchasing power for occupational therapists.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lynchburg | $106,214 | 89.363 | $118,857 |
| Winchester | $109,800 | 96.45 | $113,841 |
| Richmond | $108,780 | 97.858 | $111,161 |
| Blacksburg | $101,823 | 92.71 | $109,830 |
| Roanoke | $101,009 | 93.618 | $107,895 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Virginia
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $68,590 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $104,051 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $131,258 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Virginia metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 42 Cities in Virginia
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Winchester | $109,800 |
| 2 | Richmond | $108,780 |
| 3 | Lynchburg | $106,214 |
| 4 | Alexandria | $105,215 |
| 5 | Charlottesville | $104,018 |
| 6 | Norfolk | $103,970 |
| 7 | Radford | $103,603 |
| 8 | Newport News | $103,238 |
| 9 | Chesapeake | $102,839 |
| 10 | Virginia Beach | $102,442 |
| 11 | Hampton | $102,328 |
| 12 | Bristol | $102,046 |
| 13 | Centreville | $101,851 |
| 14 | Blacksburg | $101,823 |
| 15 | Harrisonburg | $101,803 |
| 16 | Burke | $101,161 |
| 17 | Roanoke | $101,009 |
| 18 | Suffolk | $100,724 |
| 19 | Tuckahoe | $100,437 |
| 20 | Ashburn | $100,294 |
| 21 | McLean | $100,287 |
| 22 | Reston | $100,179 |
| 23 | Danville | $100,159 |
| 24 | Fredericksburg | $99,730 |
| 25 | Dale City | $99,710 |
| 26 | Manassas | $99,603 |
| 27 | Salem | $99,325 |
| 28 | Leesburg | $99,182 |
| 29 | Portsmouth | $99,125 |
| 30 | Mechanicsville | $98,966 |
| 31 | Springfield | $98,617 |
| 32 | Woodbridge | $98,482 |
| 33 | Sterling | $98,291 |
| 34 | Lake Ridge | $98,164 |
| 35 | Linton Hall | $98,052 |
| 36 | Fairfax | $97,801 |
| 37 | Waynesboro | $97,324 |
| 38 | Annandale | $97,194 |
| 39 | Williamsburg | $97,007 |
| 40 | Herndon | $95,960 |
| 41 | Falls Church | $94,458 |
| 42 | Staunton | $89,137 |
More Virginia Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore occupational therapist hourly pay in Virginia cities.
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced occupational therapists.
Explore More Occupational Therapist Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Virginia in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for occupational therapists in Virginia?
How does Virginia occupational therapist pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level occupational therapist salary in Virginia?
How many occupational therapists are employed in Virginia?
Which Virginia city offers the best value for occupational therapists?
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
Statewide salary 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 each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 occupational therapist compensation across Virginia. State averages are employment-weighted across 42 metro areas — larger metro areas with more occupational therapistscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
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