Portsmouth vs Richmond: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist salaries between Portsmouth, VA and Richmond, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Portsmouth, VA | Richmond, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $99,125 | $108,780▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $47.65 | $52.29▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,470 | $79,284▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $81,334 | $86,704▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $114,646 | $122,301▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $128,216▲ | $126,207 |
| Total Employed | 17 | 740▲ |
Verdict
Richmond, VA offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Portsmouth.
The salary gap between Portsmouth and Richmond is $9,655 (9.74%). Richmond's median is +5.20% compared to the US national median of $103,400.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Portsmouth spans $56,746,Richmond spans $46,923. Portsmouth has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Richmond ($111,161 effective) pays 15.73% more than Portsmouth ($96,051 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Portsmouth if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($128,216)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Richmond if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($108,780/year)
- ✓Larger job market (740 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $111,161)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Portsmouth grew 7.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 23.3% growth in Richmond over the same period.
Portsmouth, VA
$89,873 (2024) → $96,182 (2025)
Richmond, VA
$85,620 (2019) → $105,550 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Portsmouth, VA
Richmond, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: Portsmouth or Richmond?
What is the hourly rate difference between Portsmouth and Richmond?
Should I relocate from Portsmouth to Richmond as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Portsmouth vs Richmond?
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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.06% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Miller, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov