Occupational Therapist Salary in Manassas, VA: $99,603 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Manassas, VA earns a median $99,603/year (≈ $47.88/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Manassas's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $96,515 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.8% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, an occupational therapist salary in Manassas, Virginia, is projected at $99,603, slightly below the national median of $103,400. This professional can expect a salary range from $75,245 to $130,102, reflecting the variability in maturing specialties and settings. The data, derived from 2025 BLS state-level estimates and adjusted for regional cost factors, emphasizes the importance of certifications such as the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) designation, which is known to attract a premium in pay. With both local and national variations, Manassas presents a unique job market for occupational therapists looking to enhance their careers through specialization and targeted employment sectors.
About the Manassas Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($90,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,245 | $36.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $83,796 | $40.29 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $99,603 | $47.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $116,358 | $55.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $130,102 | $62.55 |
Median Salary Position
3.67% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Manassas
In Manassas, VA, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $54,857 (2026 est.). At $99,603, the local median is 3.67% below the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Manassas: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Manassas Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Manassas median: $99,603/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Manassas Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $102,473 | -2.80% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | -3.67% less |
Occupational Therapists in Manassas, VA earn a median of $99,603 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.67% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 2.80% below the Virginia state average of $102,473.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Manassas has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Manassas, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $99,603 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $96,515 — a 3.1% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$81,831
2025 BLS Actual
$96,646
2026 Current Est.
$99,603
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Manassas (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $81,831 | Actual |
| 2020 | $83,112 | Actual |
| 2021 | $82,428 | Actual |
| 2022 | $89,759 | Actual |
| 2023 | $92,831 | Actual |
| 2024 | $90,306 | Actual |
| 2025 | $96,646 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $99,603 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $102,651 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Manassas metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $81,831 (2019) to $96,646 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $102,651 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,820 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Manassas 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) | $75,245 – $83,796 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $83,796 – $99,603 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $99,603 – $116,358 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $116,358 – $130,102 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Manassas
Analyzing the local context, there are currently only nine occupational therapists employed in Manassas, which reveals a niche market amid a rising demand for these professionals. With a cost of living index of 103.2, higher than the national average, the purchasing power of take-home salaries becomes more critical. Employers, especially skilled nursing facilities and hospital settings, typically offer higher remuneration, while school districts tend to present lower pay. The notable disparity in wages often stems from factors like the setting type, specific certifications such as CHT, and the expectations around productivity. For occupational therapists in Manassas, adopting strategies like pursuing specialized credentials, gaining experience in higher-paying environments, and understanding local pay trends can effectively influence their marketability and earning potential.
More salary data for Manassas, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Manassas, VA in 2026?
Is Manassas, VA a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Manassas?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Manassas?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Manassas?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Virginia
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 $96,646 for occupational therapistsin the Manassas 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 Manassas 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