Occupational Therapist Salary in Richmond, VA: $108,780 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Richmond, VA earns a median $108,780/year (≈ $52.29/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Richmond's price level (2% below national, BEA RPP 97.9), that paycheck buys what $111,161 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.2% above the Virginia state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, occupational therapists in Richmond, Virginia, can expect a median annual salary of $108,780, slightly above the national figure of $103,400, reflecting a positive trend for local professionals. The salary range extends from $79,284 at the 10th percentile to $126,207 at the 90th percentile, indicating a robust market for skilled therapists. This data is derived from 2025 BLS OEWS surveys projected to 2026. Achieving certification in hand therapy (CHT) can significantly enhance earning potential for therapists, making them more competitive in a field where specialized skills are increasingly recognized and rewarded. With a stable job market in Richmond, those entering the profession or advancing in their careers will find favorable opportunities.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,284 | $38.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $86,704 | $41.69 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $108,780 | $52.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $122,301 | $58.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $126,207 | $60.68 |
Median Salary Position
5.20% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Richmond
In Richmond, VA, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $46,923 (2026 est.). At $108,780, the local median is 5.2% above the national median of $103,400.
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At 40 hours/week in Richmond: You'd be above the median
How Richmond Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Richmond median: $108,780/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Richmond Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $102,429 | +6.20% more |
| National Average | $103,400 | +5.20% more |
Occupational Therapists in Richmond, VA earn a median of $108,780 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.20% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 6.20% above the Virginia state average of $102,429.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Richmond has a cost of living 2.14% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Richmond, VA has a cost-of-living index of 97.858 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $108,780 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $111,161 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.19% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$85,620
2025 BLS Actual
$105,550
2026 Current Est.
$108,780
2019–2027 Growth
+30.9%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Richmond (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $85,620 | Actual |
| 2020 | $89,950 | Actual |
| 2021 | $88,170 | Actual |
| 2022 | $96,500 | Actual |
| 2023 | $98,390 | Actual |
| 2024 | $104,000 | Actual |
| 2025 | $105,550 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $108,780 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $112,108 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Richmond metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 23.3% from $85,620 (2019) to $105,550 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $112,108 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,488 (30.94%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Richmond 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) | $79,284 – $86,704 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $86,704 – $108,780 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $108,780 – $122,301 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $122,301 – $126,207 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Richmond
Richmond's job market for occupational therapists is solid, with approximately 740 professionals currently employed in the area. The cost of living index is 97.858, suggesting that earnings stretch further than in many other locations, enhancing the overall value of an occupational therapist’s salary in Richmond, VA. Among the employers, skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehabilitation units tend to offer the highest wages, while outpatient clinics and school contracts may feature lower compensation but potentially more manageable work-life balance. The disparities in wages are driven by factors such as workplace setting, the added value of certifications like the CHT, and varied productivity expectations. To maximize pay, new graduates and experienced therapists alike should consider negotiating salaries based on their specialized skills and exploring opportunities in high-paying sectors like hospitals, while also looking at employment models that can provide year-round income stability.
More salary data for Richmond, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Richmond, VA in 2026?
Is Richmond, VA a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Richmond?
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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 $105,550 for occupational therapistsin the Richmond 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