Occupational Therapist Salary in Ashburn, VA: $100,294 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Ashburn, VA earns a median $100,294/year (≈ $48.22/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Ashburn's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $97,184 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.1% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapists in Ashburn, Virginia, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $100,294 in 2026, which reflects the competitive nature of the local job market. This salary falls within a broader range of $73,853 to $132,360, showcasing significant potential for earnings based on experience and specialization. Notably, occupational therapists who achieve the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) specialty certification can command a premium, which aligns with the evolving demands within the healthcare field. The figures presented here are derived from BLS state-level data with regional cost adjustments, indicating that Ashburn offers promising financial opportunities for practitioners specializing in various therapeutic settings while adapting to ongoing healthcare trends.
About the Ashburn Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($90,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,853 | $35.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $83,679 | $40.23 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $100,294 | $48.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $117,345 | $56.42 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $132,360 | $63.64 |
Median Salary Position
3% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ashburn
In Ashburn, VA, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $58,507 (2026 est.). At $100,294, the local median is 3% below the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Ashburn: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Ashburn Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Ashburn median: $100,294/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Ashburn Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $102,445 | -2.10% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | -3.00% less |
Occupational Therapists in Ashburn, VA earn a median of $100,294 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.00% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 2.10% below the Virginia state average of $102,445.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Ashburn has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Ashburn, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $100,294 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $97,184 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$82,398
2025 BLS Actual
$97,316
2026 Current Est.
$100,294
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Ashburn (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $82,398 | Actual |
| 2020 | $83,688 | Actual |
| 2021 | $82,999 | Actual |
| 2022 | $90,381 | Actual |
| 2023 | $93,475 | Actual |
| 2024 | $90,932 | Actual |
| 2025 | $97,316 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $100,294 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $103,363 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Ashburn metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $82,398 (2019) to $97,316 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $103,363 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,965 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ashburn 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) | $73,853 – $83,679 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $83,679 – $100,294 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $100,294 – $117,345 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $117,345 – $132,360 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Ashburn
With 12 occupational therapists currently employed in Ashburn, the market appears stable but somewhat limited by local demand. The cost of living index stands at 103.2, indicating a slightly higher-than-average expense of living that affects take-home pay and validates the value of competitive occupational therapist pay in Ashburn, VA. Among local employers, skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehabilitation programs tend to offer the highest compensation, driven by the intensity and complexity of care provided. Variances in salaries often arise from the work setting, expected productivity, and whether therapists have additional credentials like CHT. To maximize earning potential, professionals may consider pursuing specialized contracts in hand therapy or seeking positions in higher-paying environments. Being strategic about contract options, such as aiming for year-round positions or negotiating stipends tied to specialized certifications, can significantly enhance one’s financial standing in this dynamic market.
More salary data for Ashburn, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Ashburn, VA in 2026?
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Can occupational therapists make $100K in Ashburn?
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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 $97,316 for occupational therapistsin the Ashburn 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
Salary data for Ashburn 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