Occupational Therapist Salary in Alexandria, VA: $105,215 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Alexandria, VA earns a median $105,215/year (≈ $50.58/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Alexandria's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $101,953 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.7% above the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapists in Alexandria, Virginia, are facing a competitive compensation landscape in 2026, with a median annual salary of $105,215. This figure slightly surpasses the national median of $103,400, reflecting the higher cost of living in the area, which has a cost of living index of 103.2. The full salary range for these professionals spans from $76,711 at the 10th percentile to $141,923 at the 90th percentile, indicating significant variability based on factors like work setting and specialization. Common employment settings in Alexandria include hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and school districts, each offering different salary structures and job satisfaction elements that potential therapists need to weigh when considering their career paths in 2026.
About the Alexandria Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($90,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,711 | $36.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $87,250 | $41.95 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $105,215 | $50.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $124,746 | $59.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $141,923 | $68.24 |
Median Salary Position
1.76% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Alexandria
In Alexandria, VA, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $65,212 (2026 est.). At $105,215, the local median is 1.76% above the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Alexandria: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Alexandria Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Alexandria median: $105,215/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Alexandria Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $102,449 | +2.70% more |
| National Average | $103,400 | +1.76% more |
Occupational Therapists in Alexandria, VA earn a median of $105,215 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.76% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 2.70% above the Virginia state average of $102,449.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Alexandria has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Alexandria, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $105,215 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $101,953 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$86,441
2025 BLS Actual
$102,091
2026 Current Est.
$105,215
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Alexandria (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $86,441 | Actual |
| 2020 | $87,794 | Actual |
| 2021 | $87,072 | Actual |
| 2022 | $94,816 | Actual |
| 2023 | $98,061 | Actual |
| 2024 | $93,017 | Actual |
| 2025 | $102,091 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $105,215 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $108,435 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Alexandria metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $86,441 (2019) to $102,091 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $108,435 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,994 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Alexandria 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $76,711 – $87,250 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $87,250 – $105,215 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $105,215 – $124,746 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $124,746 – $141,923 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Alexandria
Analyzing the local job market reveals that there are currently 26 occupational therapists employed in Alexandria, contributing to a tight-knit professional community. Given the area's cost-of-living index, it is vital for professionals to understand their take-home purchasing power, especially as the higher salaries tend to be found in hospital inpatient rehab and outpatient hand therapy clinics. Factors influencing the wide salary spread include the type of employers, with hospital settings generally offering more robust pay compared to schools and skilled nursing facilities. Therapists can maximize their earning potential in Alexandria by pursuing advanced certifications, such as the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) designation, which commands a premium. Additionally, year-round positions may offer greater job security and potential income over school-year contracts. Understanding the nuances of the local market will help therapists navigate their career decisions effectively.
More salary data for Alexandria, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Alexandria, VA in 2026?
Is Alexandria, VA a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Alexandria?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Alexandria?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Alexandria?
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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
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. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $102,091 for occupational therapistsin the Alexandria metropolitan area. A 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Alexandria 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