Occupational Therapist Salary in Fairfax, VA: $97,801 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Fairfax, VA earns a median $97,801/year (≈ $47.02/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Fairfax's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $94,768 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.5% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fairfax, Virginia, the projected occupational therapist salary for 2026 is set at $97,801, slightly below the national median of $103,400. The local salary range is quite broad, spanning from $72,739 at the 10th percentile to $120,399 at the 90th percentile, highlighting significant disparities in compensation depending on job setting and experience. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS state-level data, adjusted for regional cost factors. Given the recent cuts to Medicare reimbursements affecting skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and outpatient services, the compensation landscape for occupational therapists in Fairfax reflects these pressures. Despite this, the potential for rewarding careers in various settings remains strong, particularly for those who adapt effectively to the changing healthcare environment.
About the Fairfax Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($90,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,739 | $34.97 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $81,345 | $39.11 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $97,801 | $47.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $110,369 | $53.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $120,399 | $57.89 |
Median Salary Position
5.41% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fairfax
In Fairfax, VA, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $47,660 (2026 est.). At $97,801, the local median is 5.41% below the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Fairfax: You'd be above the median
How Fairfax Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Fairfax median: $97,801/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fairfax Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $102,409 | -4.50% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | -5.41% less |
Occupational Therapists in Fairfax, VA earn a median of $97,801 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.41% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 4.50% below the Virginia state average of $102,409.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fairfax has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fairfax, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $97,801 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $94,768 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$80,350
2025 BLS Actual
$94,897
2026 Current Est.
$97,801
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Fairfax (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $80,350 | Actual |
| 2020 | $81,608 | Actual |
| 2021 | $80,936 | Actual |
| 2022 | $88,134 | Actual |
| 2023 | $91,151 | Actual |
| 2024 | $88,673 | Actual |
| 2025 | $94,897 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $97,801 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $100,794 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fairfax metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $80,350 (2019) to $94,897 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $100,794 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,444 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fairfax 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) | $72,739 – $81,345 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $81,345 – $97,801 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $97,801 – $110,369 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $110,369 – $120,399 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Fairfax
The occupational therapy job market in Fairfax currently employs only four professionals, which contributes to a competitive scene. The cost-of-living index in the area stands at 103.2, indicating that daily expenses are slightly above the national average. This elevated cost of living can impact take-home pay, making it essential for therapists to seek positions that offer higher compensation. Skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehab often provide the most substantial earnings, as they typically have more financial resources for therapy services. Factors such as additional certifications like the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential, productivity benchmarks, and seasonal employment trends can greatly influence pay scales. To maximize their compensation, aspiring therapists should consider specializations, pursue opportunities in higher-paying facilities, and be open to various settings, including telehealth, which may offer flexible contracts and competitive pay dynamics.
More salary data for Fairfax, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Fairfax, VA in 2026?
Is Fairfax, VA a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Fairfax?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Fairfax?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Fairfax?
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
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 $94,897 for occupational therapistsin the Fairfax 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 Fairfax 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