Occupational Therapist Salary in Newport News, VA: $103,238 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Newport News, VA earns a median $103,238/year (≈ $49.63/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Newport News's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $100,037 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% above the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapists in Newport News, Virginia, can expect a median annual salary of $103,238 in 2026, which is just slightly below the national median of $103,400. The salary range for this role varies significantly across the market, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $75,969 (P10) and more experienced professionals potentially earning up to $140,841 (P90). These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost variations. The local job market for occupational therapists is developing, reflecting an increasing demand for professionals with advanced certifications, such as the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) designation, which tends to confer a notable salary premium in Newport News's competitive landscape.
About the Newport News Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($90,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,969 | $36.52 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $86,377 | $41.52 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $103,238 | $49.63 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $123,103 | $59.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $140,841 | $67.71 |
Median Salary Position
0.16% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Newport News
In Newport News, VA, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $64,872 (2026 est.). At $103,238, the local median is 0.16% below the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Newport News: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Newport News Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Newport News median: $103,238/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Newport News Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $102,419 | +0.80% more |
| National Average | $103,400 | -0.16% less |
Occupational Therapists in Newport News, VA earn a median of $103,238 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.16% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 0.80% above the Virginia state average of $102,419.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Newport News has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Newport News, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $103,238 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $100,037 — a 3.1% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$84,817
2025 BLS Actual
$100,173
2026 Current Est.
$103,238
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Newport News (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $84,817 | Actual |
| 2020 | $86,145 | Actual |
| 2021 | $85,436 | Actual |
| 2022 | $93,034 | Actual |
| 2023 | $96,219 | Actual |
| 2024 | $93,602 | Actual |
| 2025 | $100,173 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $103,238 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $106,397 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Newport News metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $84,817 (2019) to $100,173 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $106,397 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,580 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Newport News 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) | $75,969 – $86,377 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $86,377 – $103,238 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $103,238 – $123,103 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $123,103 – $140,841 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Newport News
Within the local context, Newport News employs around 39 occupational therapists, indicating a stable job market in the area. The cost-of-living index in Newport News is set at 103.2, slightly above the national average, which influences the take-home purchasing power of residents. Among various employers, skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehab programs often provide some of the highest salaries, while school district contracts might offer more predictable, stable work hours. The disparity in salaries can be attributed to factors such as setting differences—hospital positions generally offer higher compensation compared to schools or skilled nursing facilities—as well as the impact of Medicare cuts on certain services. To maximize earnings in this market, pursuing specialized certifications like CHT and negotiating productivity expectations or exploring year-round contracts can greatly enhance occupational therapist pay in Newport News, VA.
More salary data for Newport News, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Newport News, VA in 2026?
Is Newport News, VA a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Newport News?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Newport News?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Newport News?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Virginia
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 $100,173 for occupational therapistsin the Newport News 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 Newport News 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