Occupational Therapist Salary in Virginia Beach, VA: $102,442 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Virginia Beach, VA earns a median $102,442/year (≈ $49.25/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Virginia Beach's price level (2% below national, BEA RPP 97.9), that paycheck buys what $104,596 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.0% above the Virginia state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Virginia Beach, occupational therapists are expected to earn a median annual salary of $102,442 in 2026, a figure that slightly lags behind the national median of $103,400. This data, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS surveys, shows a salary range that spans from $49,469 at the 10th percentile to $135,390 at the 90th percentile, indicating significant earning potential based on experience and setting. The backdrop of Medicare cuts affecting skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and outpatient therapy pricing in recent years has impacted the local job market, with many employers exploring innovative compensation structures to attract talent in an increasingly competitive field. Such dynamics can result in a tightening salary landscape, but opportunities still exist for OT professionals in Virginia Beach, particularly in settings that prioritize specialized skill sets and productivity.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,469 | $23.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $81,974 | $39.41 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $102,442 | $49.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $120,055 | $57.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $135,390 | $65.09 |
Median Salary Position
0.93% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Virginia Beach
In Virginia Beach, VA, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $85,921 (2026 est.). At $102,442, the local median is 0.93% below the national median of $103,400.
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At 40 hours/week in Virginia Beach: You'd be above the median
How Virginia Beach Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Virginia Beach median: $102,442/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Virginia Beach Pays |
|---|---|---|
| National Average | $103,400 | -0.93% less |
Occupational Therapists in Virginia Beach, VA earn a median of $102,442 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.93% lower than the national median of $103,400.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Virginia Beach has a cost of living 2.06% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Virginia Beach, VA has a cost-of-living index of 97.941 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $102,442 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $104,596 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.1% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$87,790
2025 BLS Actual
$99,400
2026 Current Est.
$102,442
2019–2027 Growth
+20.3%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Virginia Beach (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $87,790 | Actual |
| 2020 | $88,820 | Actual |
| 2021 | $98,940 | Actual |
| 2022 | $91,820 | Actual |
| 2023 | $100,140 | Actual |
| 2024 | $100,690 | Actual |
| 2025 | $99,400 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $102,442 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $105,576 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Virginia Beach metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 13.2% from $87,790 (2019) to $99,400 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $105,576 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,786 (20.26%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Virginia Beach 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) | $49,469 – $81,974 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $81,974 – $102,442 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $102,442 – $120,055 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $120,055 – $135,390 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Virginia Beach
The job market in Virginia Beach features approximately 830 occupational therapists, providing a robust community for collaboration and career development. With a cost of living index calculated at 97.941, those in the field can find their take-home purchasing power somewhat favorable compared to national averages. Employers that typically offer higher pay include skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehabilitation, while school district contracts and early intervention programs may present opportunities with different trade-offs in financial compensation and working conditions. Factors contributing to the broad salary range include educational preparation, certifications like the CHT, and the setting in which OTs practice, with hospital-based roles generally paying more than those in outpatient or school environments. For those looking to maximize their earnings in the Virginia Beach, VA market, pursuing further certifications and establishing strong relationships with employers can be advantageous strategies to enhance occupational therapist pay in Virginia Beach VA, facilitating career advancement in this evolving field.
More salary data for Virginia Beach, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Virginia Beach, VA in 2026?
Is Virginia Beach, VA a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Virginia Beach?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Virginia Beach?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Virginia Beach?
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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 $99,400 for occupational therapistsin the Virginia Beach 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