Occupational Therapist Salary in Portsmouth, VA: $99,125 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Portsmouth, VA earns a median $99,125/year (≈ $47.65/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Portsmouth's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $96,051 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.2% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapists in Portsmouth, VA, can anticipate a median annual salary of $99,125 in 2026, reflecting local market conditions that have been influenced by recent Medicare cuts impacting skilled nursing facilities and outpatient settings. The projected salary range for this profession in the area spans from $71,470 at the 10th percentile to $128,216 at the 90th percentile. These estimates are based on 2025 BLS data and account for regional price disparities, showcasing a competitive compensation structure. Although salaries here present a slightly lower figure compared to the national median of $103,400, Portsmouth's growing demand for occupational therapy services indicates a solid job market where practitioners can expect opportunities for advancement.
About the Portsmouth Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($90,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,470 | $34.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $81,334 | $39.10 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $99,125 | $47.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $114,646 | $55.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $128,216 | $61.64 |
Median Salary Position
4.13% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Portsmouth
In Portsmouth, VA, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $56,746 (2026 est.). At $99,125, the local median is 4.13% below the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Portsmouth: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Portsmouth Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Portsmouth median: $99,125/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Portsmouth Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $102,402 | -3.20% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | -4.13% less |
Occupational Therapists in Portsmouth, VA earn a median of $99,125 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.13% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 3.20% below the Virginia state average of $102,402.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Portsmouth has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Portsmouth, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $99,125 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $96,051 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$81,438
2025 BLS Actual
$96,182
2026 Current Est.
$99,125
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Portsmouth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $81,438 | Actual |
| 2020 | $82,713 | Actual |
| 2021 | $82,032 | Actual |
| 2022 | $89,328 | Actual |
| 2023 | $92,386 | Actual |
| 2024 | $89,873 | Actual |
| 2025 | $96,182 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $99,125 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $102,158 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Portsmouth metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $81,438 (2019) to $96,182 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $102,158 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,720 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Portsmouth 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) | $71,470 – $81,334 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $81,334 – $99,125 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $99,125 – $114,646 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $114,646 – $128,216 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Portsmouth
Within Portsmouth, there are currently 17 occupational therapists employed, providing a modest yet stable local job market. The cost-of-living index stands at 103.2, slightly above the national average, which can affect disposable income and overall purchasing power. Employers such as hospitals and outpatient clinics tend to offer the highest compensation, especially for those with board certifications like Certified Hand Therapist (CHT), which can command a significant salary premium. The disparity in pay within the community often hinges on the setting—hospital roles generally pay more than those in schools, and productivity requirements can also impact earnings. To maximize salary potential in this Portsmouth market, occupational therapists should consider pursuing certifications, networking within healthcare facilities, and strategically applying for positions that align with their skills and specialty areas.
More salary data for Portsmouth, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Portsmouth, VA in 2026?
Is Portsmouth, VA a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Portsmouth?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Portsmouth?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Portsmouth?
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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 $96,182 for occupational therapistsin the Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth 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