Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Alexandria, VA: $50.58 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Alexandria, VA runs $50.58 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $105,215 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Alexandria's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $49.01 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $63,126 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapists in Alexandria, Virginia, receive a median hourly pay of $50.58, which surpasses the national median hourly rate of $49.71. This competitive wage opens up various opportunities for part-time and per-diem work, particularly in settings like hospital rehab units, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient therapy clinics. For those working three days a week, the attractive hourly rate can greatly enhance living standards, especially in a city with a cost of living index of 103.2. Since the hourly range for these therapists stretches from $36.89 at entry-level positions up to $68.24 for those at the top end of the pay scale, it's a field that offers significant earning potential based on experience and specialization, such as in hand therapy.
About the Alexandria Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($90,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36.89 | $295.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.95 | $335.56 |
| Median (P50) | $50.58 | $404.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59.97 | $479.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $68.24 | $545.89 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Alexandria
Based on $50.58/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $50.58/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Alexandria, VA can expect to earn approximately $105,210 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $60,698. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Alexandria.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Alexandria
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,023.27 | $8,768 | $105,210 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,213.96 | $5,261 | $63,126 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $809.31 | $3,507 | $42,084 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Alexandria) | $50.58 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (National Avg) | $33.15 |
| Physical Therapist (National Avg) | $48.65 |
| Speech-Language Pathologist (National Avg) | $43.80 |
| Recreational Therapist (National Avg) | $27.50 |
Occupational Therapists in Alexandria, VA earn a median of $105,215 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.76% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 2.70% above the Virginia state average of $102,449.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $50.58/hr = $63,126/year (purchasing power: $61,169).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $105,210/year (purchasing power: $101,948).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$41.56/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$49.08/hr
2026 Current Est.
$50.58/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Alexandria (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41.56/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $42.21/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $41.86/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $45.58/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $47.14/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $44.72/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $49.08/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50.58/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52.13/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Alexandria grew 18.1% from $41.56/hr (2019) to $49.08/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $52.13/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem occupational therapists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Alexandria 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.
Working as an Hourly Occupational Therapist in Alexandria
Considering the various work arrangements, a part-time occupational therapist in Alexandria working 24 hours per week could expect to take home approximately $62,144 annually, in comparison to full-time peers who enjoy more substantial earnings around or above $105,215. For those pursuing per diem opportunities, the pay can range significantly; per diem occupational therapists often command rates around $50 to $75 per hour, while Certified Hand Therapists (CHTs) might earn anywhere from $80 to $110 per hour in cash-pay settings. Travel contracts also offer lucrative weekly earnings, with many ranging from $1,800 to $2,800. Hourly rates can fluctuate based on the type of employer, with skilled nursing facilities typically offering lower rates compared to outpatient clinics or specialized programs. Strategies for negotiating pay effectively can include highlighting relevant credentials such as the CHT and being clear on the value of benefits versus higher hourly rates, as some therapists might prefer jobs with lower pay but better overall job security and health insurance.
More salary data for Alexandria, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Alexandria in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Alexandria?
Are occupational therapists in Alexandria paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Alexandria?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Alexandria?
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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
Hourly wage 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 estimate current 2026 hourly rates for occupational therapists in Alexandria. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Alexandria is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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