Occupational Therapist Salary in West Virginia: $98,790 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across West Virginia's 11 metropolitan areas, the average median occupational therapist pay sits at $98,790/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-1122. Because West Virginia sits at BEA RPP 86.5 (13% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $114,208 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Martinsburg ($103,346), Wheeling ($100,680), Huntington ($98,930).
When considering a career in occupational therapy in West Virginia, it's essential to understand the salary landscape relative to national averages. The projected average median salary for occupational therapists in West Virginia in 2026 is $98,790, which is about 4.5% lower than the national median of $103,400. The highest-paying city in the state is Martinsburg at $106,508, while Clarksburg offers the lowest at $90,166, creating a salary gap of $16,342. This disparity can be attributed to factors such as local demand for healthcare services, cost of living differences, and possibly the concentration of healthcare facilities in certain areas. West Virginia has specific licensing requirements that occupational therapists must fulfill, including obtaining a state license which involves passing the NBCOT exam and completing necessary continuing education. The demand for occupational therapy services is driven by an aging population, an increase in rehabilitation needs, and a growing awareness of mental health issues, leading to a projected annual growth rate of 3.06% for this profession. Overall, there are approximately 519 occupational therapists employed within the state, with cities like Wheeling ($103,761), Huntington ($101,957), Parkersburg ($98,979), and Morgantown ($97,216) providing varying salary opportunities. Understanding these factors can help you make informed decisions about pursuing a career in occupational therapy in West Virginia.
West Virginia Occupational Therapist Salary Range
Overall salary range in West Virginia: $56,291 (lowest entry-level) to $132,339 (highest top earner)
West Virginia vs National Average
West Virginia occupational therapists earn 4.46% less than the national median ($-4,610/year difference).
West Virginia Occupational Therapist Salary Distribution (2026)
Occupational Therapist salaries in West Virginia range from $64,716 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $127,391 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $98,790. The West Virginia median is $4,610 below the US national median of $103,400. The average hourly rate is $47.49/hr. Approximately 519 occupational therapists are employed across 11 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$78,323
2025 BLS Actual
$95,857
2026 Current Est.
$98,790
2019–2027 Growth
+30.0%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in West Virginia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $78,323 | Actual |
| 2020 | $82,397 | Actual |
| 2021 | $85,381 | Actual |
| 2022 | $82,019 | Actual |
| 2023 | $86,457 | Actual |
| 2024 | $89,880 | Actual |
| 2025 | $95,857 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $98,790 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $101,813 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the West Virginia metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 22.4% from $78,323 (2019) to $95,857 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $101,813 by 2027 — a total increase of $23,490 (29.99%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the West Virginia 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.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in West Virginia
Lowest Paying Cities in West Virginia
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Clarksburg | $90,166 |
| Fairmont | $90,466 |
| South Charleston | $93,127 |
| Charleston | $94,321 |
| Weirton | $95,413 |
Best Value Cities for Occupational Therapists in West Virginia
When adjusted for local cost of living, these West Virginia cities offer the most purchasing power for occupational therapists.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Martinsburg | $106,508 | 86.5 | $123,131 |
| Wheeling | $103,761 | 88.323 | $117,479 |
| Huntington | $101,957 | 88.422 | $115,307 |
| Parkersburg | $98,979 | 87.066 | $113,683 |
| Beckley | $96,691 | 88.369 | $109,417 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in West Virginia
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $64,716 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $98,790 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $127,391 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across West Virginia metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 11 Cities in West Virginia
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Martinsburg | $106,508 |
| 2 | Wheeling | $103,761 |
| 3 | Huntington | $101,957 |
| 4 | Parkersburg | $98,979 |
| 5 | Morgantown | $97,216 |
| 6 | Beckley | $96,691 |
| 7 | Weirton | $95,413 |
| 8 | Charleston | $94,321 |
| 9 | South Charleston | $93,127 |
| 10 | Fairmont | $90,466 |
| 11 | Clarksburg | $90,166 |
More West Virginia Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore occupational therapist hourly pay in West Virginia cities.
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced occupational therapists.
Explore More Occupational Therapist Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in West Virginia in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for occupational therapists in West Virginia?
How does West Virginia occupational therapist pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level occupational therapist salary in West Virginia?
How many occupational therapists are employed in West Virginia?
Which West Virginia city offers the best value for occupational therapists?
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
Statewide 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. A 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 occupational therapist compensation across West Virginia. State averages are employment-weighted across 11 metro areas — larger metro areas with more occupational therapistscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
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