Occupational Therapist Salary in Lynchburg, VA: $106,214 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Lynchburg, VA earns a median $106,214/year (≈ $51.07/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Lynchburg's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 89.4), that paycheck buys what $118,857 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.7% above the Virginia state average.
Official BLS data · View source
Occupational therapists in Lynchburg, Virginia can expect to earn a median annual salary of $106,214 in 2026, reflecting a competitive edge compared to the national median of $103,400. The salary range spans from $79,253 at the 10th percentile up to $127,073 at the 90th percentile, indicating a promising potential for growth within the profession. This data, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS surveys and projected for 2026, highlights Lynchburg's favorable market for OTs. Achieving a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential often increases earning potential, making it a valuable asset for those seeking to enhance their occupational therapist pay in Lynchburg, VA.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,253 | $38.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $89,508 | $43.04 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $106,214 | $51.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $117,880 | $56.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $127,073 | $61.09 |
Median Salary Position
2.72% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lynchburg
In Lynchburg, VA, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $47,820 (2026 est.). At $106,214, the local median is 2.72% above the national median of $103,400.
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At 40 hours/week in Lynchburg: You'd be above the median
How Lynchburg Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Lynchburg median: $106,214/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lynchburg Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $102,424 | +3.70% more |
| National Average | $103,400 | +2.72% more |
Occupational Therapists in Lynchburg, VA earn a median of $106,214 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.72% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 3.70% above the Virginia state average of $102,424.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lynchburg has a cost of living 10.64% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lynchburg, VA has a cost-of-living index of 89.363 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $106,214 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $118,857 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.9% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$94,320
2025 BLS Actual
$103,060
2026 Current Est.
$106,214
2019–2027 Growth
+16.1%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Lynchburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $94,320 | Actual |
| 2020 | $103,970 | Actual |
| 2021 | $93,710 | Actual |
| 2022 | $89,940 | Actual |
| 2023 | $95,680 | Actual |
| 2024 | $96,510 | Actual |
| 2025 | $103,060 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $106,214 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $109,464 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lynchburg metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 9.3% from $94,320 (2019) to $103,060 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $109,464 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,144 (16.06%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lynchburg 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) | $79,253 – $89,508 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $89,508 – $106,214 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $106,214 – $117,880 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $117,880 – $127,073 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Lynchburg
Looking at the local job market, Lynchburg has approximately 130 occupational therapists employed, indicating a steady demand for these professionals. The cost of living, with an index of 89.363, suggests that salaries may stretch further than in many other U.S. locations, enhancing purchasing power for residents. Among potential employers, skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehabilitation centers tend to offer the highest salaries. Variances in pay across different settings can arise from factors such as institutional funding structures, the integration of productivity standards, and seasonal employment contracts prevalent in school districts versus year-round positions in outpatient clinics. For therapists looking to maximize their pay in Lynchburg, obtaining specialized certifications and seeking employment in higher-paying settings can significantly impact overall earnings.
More salary data for Lynchburg, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Lynchburg, VA in 2026?
Is Lynchburg, VA a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Lynchburg?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Lynchburg?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Lynchburg?
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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 $103,060 for occupational therapistsin the Lynchburg 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
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