Occupational Therapist Salary in Staunton, VA: $89,137 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Staunton, VA earns a median $89,137/year (≈ $42.85/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Staunton's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 91.1), that paycheck buys what $97,815 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 13.0% below the Virginia state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the occupational therapist salary in Staunton, Virginia, is projected to reach a median of $89,137. This figure represents a substantial opportunity for professionals in the area, especially as they consider the type of employment setting that best suits their needs. With a salary range spanning from $71,658 at the 10th percentile to $123,590 at the 90th percentile, occupational therapists can see a diverse spectrum of earnings based on their specific roles. The data, based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, highlights that Staunton's compensation falls about 13.79% below the national median of $103,400. The structural choice—whether to work in skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, or educational institutions—will heavily influence potential earnings, as well as their work-life balance depending on year-round or school-year contracts.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,658 | $34.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $82,788 | $39.80 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $89,137 | $42.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $106,667 | $51.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $123,590 | $59.41 |
Median Salary Position
13.79% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Staunton
In Staunton, VA, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $51,932 (2026 est.). At $89,137, the local median is 13.79% below the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Staunton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Staunton Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Staunton median: $89,137/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Staunton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $102,456 | -13.00% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | -13.79% less |
Occupational Therapists in Staunton, VA earn a median of $89,137 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.79% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 13.00% below the Virginia state average of $102,456.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Staunton has a cost of living 8.87% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Staunton, VA has a cost-of-living index of 91.128 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $89,137 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $97,815 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.74% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$84,280
2025 BLS Actual
$86,490
2026 Current Est.
$89,137
2019–2027 Growth
+9.0%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Staunton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $84,280 | Actual |
| 2020 | $89,670 | Actual |
| 2021 | $84,600 | Actual |
| 2022 | $92,240 | Actual |
| 2023 | $87,630 | Actual |
| 2024 | $87,360 | Actual |
| 2025 | $86,490 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $89,137 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $91,864 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Staunton metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 2.6% from $84,280 (2019) to $86,490 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $91,864 by 2027 — a total increase of $7,584 (9.00%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Staunton 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) | $71,658 – $82,788 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $82,788 – $89,137 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $89,137 – $106,667 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $106,667 – $123,590 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Staunton
In terms of the local job market, Staunton employs approximately 80 occupational therapists, providing a robust base for the community's healthcare and rehabilitation services. With a cost-of-living index of 91.128, living expenses in Staunton are below the national average, thereby enhancing the purchasing power of salaries for OT professionals. Employers that tend to offer higher pay include hospital inpatient rehab centers and outpatient hand therapy clinics, particularly for those with board certifications like the CHT, which commands a superior premium. Factors contributing to the pay spread include the expectations surrounding productivity in diverse settings and the type of contract—year-round placements typically yield more stable financial returns compared to school-year contracts. Professionals in Staunton should consider pursuing additional certifications and continuing education, as well as negotiating contracts that may offset the potential impacts of Medicare cuts affecting certain service areas. Understanding these nuances will be vital for maximizing occupational therapist pay in Staunton, VA.
More salary data for Staunton, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Staunton, VA in 2026?
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Can occupational therapists make $100K in Staunton?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Staunton?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Staunton?
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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 $86,490 for occupational therapistsin the Staunton 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