Occupational Therapist Salary in Hampton, VA: $102,328 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Hampton, VA earns a median $102,328/year (≈ $49.20/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Hampton's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $99,155 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.1% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for occupational therapists in Hampton, Virginia, stands at $102,328, which is slightly below the national median of $103,400. The local salary range varies significantly, with the lowest decile at $74,297 and the upper decile reaching as high as $137,762. These figures, which take into account state-level data and regional price adjustments, reflect the ongoing impact of Medicare cuts on reimbursement rates for skilled nursing facilities (SNF) and outpatient therapy practices. As the occupational therapy job market in Hampton adapts, these salary estimates provide valuable insight into the financial landscape for practitioners in the region.
About the Hampton Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($90,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,297 | $35.72 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $84,545 | $40.65 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $102,328 | $49.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $123,189 | $59.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $137,762 | $66.24 |
Median Salary Position
1.04% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hampton
In Hampton, VA, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $63,465 (2026 est.). At $102,328, the local median is 1.04% below the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Hampton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Hampton Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Hampton median: $102,328/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hampton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $102,431 | -0.10% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | -1.04% less |
Occupational Therapists in Hampton, VA earn a median of $102,328 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.04% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 0.10% below the Virginia state average of $102,431.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hampton has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Hampton, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $102,328 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $99,155 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$84,069
2025 BLS Actual
$99,290
2026 Current Est.
$102,328
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Hampton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $84,069 | Actual |
| 2020 | $85,386 | Actual |
| 2021 | $84,683 | Actual |
| 2022 | $92,214 | Actual |
| 2023 | $95,371 | Actual |
| 2024 | $92,777 | Actual |
| 2025 | $99,290 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $102,328 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $105,460 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hampton metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $84,069 (2019) to $99,290 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $105,460 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,391 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hampton 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) | $74,297 – $84,545 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $84,545 – $102,328 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $102,328 – $123,189 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $123,189 – $137,762 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Hampton
The job market for occupational therapists in Hampton consists of 24 professionals, emphasizing limited competition in this area. The local cost-of-living index of 103.2 suggests that while salaries are reasonable, they must also accommodate housing and daily expenses that can impact disposable income. Among employers, skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehabilitation settings tend to offer higher salaries due to the complexity of care and reimbursement structures. Conversely, positions within school districts or early intervention programs typically provide more stable hours but lower pay. To maximize earnings in Hampton, therapists should consider obtaining specialized certifications, such as the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential, which can command a premium. Additionally, negotiating contracts that align with productivity expectations, or choosing opportunities that provide year-round employment, can enhance overall compensation in this evolving healthcare environment.
More salary data for Hampton, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Hampton, VA in 2026?
Is Hampton, VA a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Hampton?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Hampton?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Hampton?
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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 $99,290 for occupational therapistsin the Hampton 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 Hampton 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