Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Fairfax, VA: $47.02 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Fairfax, VA runs $47.02 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $97,801 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Fairfax's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $45.56 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $58,676 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapists in Fairfax, Virginia, can expect a median hourly rate of $47.02, which is slightly below the national median of $49.71. This financial structure supports various work arrangements, including part-time and per-diem positions often found in hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient clinics. For professionals working three days a week, consistent hourly earnings may provide a reliable income, contributing to a balanced work-life dynamic. This hourly rate allows entry-level therapists to start at approximately $34.97 while those with significant experience and credentials, such as Certified Hand Therapists (CHTs), can command up to $57.89 hourly. It’s crucial for those in the field to understand that these figures are based on annual data projected into hourly rates, reflecting the evolving demands of occupational therapy in Fairfax's healthcare landscape.
About the Fairfax 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) | $34.97 | $279.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.11 | $312.89 |
| Median (P50) | $47.02 | $376.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53.07 | $424.52 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57.89 | $463.11 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fairfax
Based on $47.02/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.02/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fairfax, VA can expect to earn approximately $97,793 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $56,419. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Fairfax.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fairfax
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,880.64 | $8,149 | $97,793 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,128.38 | $4,890 | $58,676 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $752.26 | $3,260 | $39,117 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Fairfax) | $47.02 |
| 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 Fairfax, VA earn a median of $97,801 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.41% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 4.50% below the Virginia state average of $102,409.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.02/hr = $58,676/year (purchasing power: $56,857).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $97,793/year (purchasing power: $94,761).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$38.63/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$45.62/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.02/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Fairfax (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38.63/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $39.23/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.91/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $42.37/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $43.82/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.63/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $45.62/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.02/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48.45/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Fairfax grew 18.1% from $38.63/hr (2019) to $45.62/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $48.45/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 Fairfax 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 Fairfax
Part-time occupational therapists working 24 hours a week can earn around $57,421 annually, providing a solid income compared to a full-time counterpart at $97,801. Per-diem occupational therapist pay in Fairfax tends to range from $50 to $75 per hour, with specialized CHTs earning between $80 and $110 in cash-pay settings. For travel assignments, contracts can fluctuate, offering weekly rates between $1,800 and $2,800. Varied employer types influence the hourly rates received; those in skilled nursing facilities may earn less than their peers in hospital rehab or outpatient services. While some may prioritize hourly compensation, others opt for positions with benefits over higher pay, seeking the balance of financial stability and job security. Negotiating hourly pay can be strategic, with clear market research supporting value; understanding the rate landscape is vital for both newly entering the field and seasoned professionals seeking new opportunities in Fairfax.
More salary data for Fairfax, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Fairfax in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Fairfax?
Are occupational therapists in Fairfax paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Fairfax?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Fairfax?
Related Pages
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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 Fairfax. 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 Fairfax 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