Occupational Therapist Salary in Suffolk, VA: $100,724 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Suffolk, VA earns a median $100,724/year (≈ $48.43/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Suffolk's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $97,601 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.7% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Projected for 2026, the occupational therapist salary in Suffolk, Virginia, stands at a median of $100,724, slightly lower than the national median of $103,400. The salary range for occupational therapists in this locality varies significantly from $75,266 for the lowest earners (10th percentile) to approximately $137,198 at the 90th percentile. These figures, based on 2025 BLS data, are adjusted for regional cost factors, highlighting how local economic conditions affect compensation. The 2026 estimates reflect the impact of Medicare cuts on skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and outpatient therapy compensation, which may influence overall salary trends in the area, affecting how much do occupational therapists make in Suffolk.
About the Suffolk Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($90,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,266 | $36.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $84,550 | $40.65 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $100,724 | $48.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $114,677 | $55.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $137,198 | $65.96 |
Median Salary Position
2.59% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Suffolk
In Suffolk, VA, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $61,932 (2026 est.). At $100,724, the local median is 2.59% below the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Suffolk: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Suffolk Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Suffolk median: $100,724/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Suffolk Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $102,466 | -1.70% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | -2.59% less |
Occupational Therapists in Suffolk, VA earn a median of $100,724 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.59% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 1.70% below the Virginia state average of $102,466.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Suffolk has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Suffolk, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $100,724 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $97,601 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$82,751
2025 BLS Actual
$97,733
2026 Current Est.
$100,724
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Suffolk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $82,751 | Actual |
| 2020 | $84,047 | Actual |
| 2021 | $83,355 | Actual |
| 2022 | $90,768 | Actual |
| 2023 | $93,876 | Actual |
| 2024 | $91,322 | Actual |
| 2025 | $97,733 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $100,724 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $103,806 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Suffolk metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $82,751 (2019) to $97,733 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $103,806 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,055 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Suffolk 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) | $75,266 – $84,550 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $84,550 – $100,724 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $100,724 – $114,677 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $114,677 – $137,198 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Suffolk
The job market for occupational therapists in Suffolk is relatively limited, with only 15 professionals currently employed in the field. The local cost-of-living index stands at 103.2, indicating a slightly higher-than-average expense that can impact overall take-home pay. Leading employers such as hospitals and outpatient clinics typically offer better compensation than school districts or early intervention programs, with pay scales heavily influenced by the specific work setting. The disparity in salaries can often be attributed to factors including certification levels, productivity expectations, and whether positions are year-round or tied to school calendars. To maximize occupational therapist pay in Suffolk, VA, professionals should consider obtaining further certifications, such as the CHT, and seek employment in healthcare environments that value specialized skills, which can significantly enhance earning potential.
More salary data for Suffolk, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Suffolk, VA in 2026?
Is Suffolk, VA a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Suffolk?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Suffolk?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Suffolk?
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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 $97,733 for occupational therapistsin the Suffolk 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 Suffolk 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