Occupational Therapist Salary in Williamsburg, VA: $97,007 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Williamsburg, VA earns a median $97,007/year (≈ $46.63/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Williamsburg's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $93,999 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.3% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, occupational therapists in Williamsburg, Virginia, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $97,007, reflecting a localized adjustment based on BLS estimates and regional price parity. Those entering this rewarding career can expect salaries to range from $71,210 at the lower end (P10) to $123,478 for seasoned professionals at the higher end (P90). The opportunity for additional compensation increases significantly for therapists who achieve specialty certifications such as the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT), which can substantially elevate pay beyond the average. In comparing these figures to the national median, which is $103,400, Williamsburg's occupational therapist salary is slightly lower—indicative of both local market conditions and the cost of living.
About the Williamsburg Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($90,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,210 | $34.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $79,695 | $38.32 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $97,007 | $46.63 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $106,629 | $51.26 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $123,478 | $59.36 |
Median Salary Position
6.18% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Williamsburg
In Williamsburg, VA, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $52,268 (2026 est.). At $97,007, the local median is 6.18% below the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Williamsburg: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Williamsburg Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Williamsburg median: $97,007/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Williamsburg Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $102,436 | -5.30% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | -6.18% less |
Occupational Therapists in Williamsburg, VA earn a median of $97,007 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.18% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 5.30% below the Virginia state average of $102,436.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Williamsburg has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Williamsburg, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $97,007 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $93,999 — 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
$79,698
2025 BLS Actual
$94,127
2026 Current Est.
$97,007
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Williamsburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $79,698 | Actual |
| 2020 | $80,946 | Actual |
| 2021 | $80,280 | Actual |
| 2022 | $87,419 | Actual |
| 2023 | $90,412 | Actual |
| 2024 | $87,953 | Actual |
| 2025 | $94,127 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $97,007 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $99,976 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Williamsburg metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $79,698 (2019) to $94,127 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $99,976 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,278 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Williamsburg 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) | $71,210 – $79,695 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $79,695 – $97,007 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $97,007 – $106,629 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $106,629 – $123,478 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Williamsburg
The occupational therapy job market in Williamsburg currently employs five therapists, contributing to an environment of specialized support for the community. With a cost-of-living index of 103.2, expenses can be slightly above the national average, impacting the purchasing power of local salaries. Among various employers, skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehabilitation units tend to offer the highest wages, whereas school districts generally pay less due to budget restrictions. Factors driving pay discrepancies include the setting of practice, potential stipends for board certifications, and productivity requirements, making positioning within the healthcare system crucial for maximizing earnings. To enhance overall income, aspiring OTs should consider pursuing certifications, seek opportunities in higher-paying facilities, and negotiate contracts strategically, adapting to the dynamics of occupational therapist pay in Williamsburg, VA.
More salary data for Williamsburg, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Williamsburg, VA in 2026?
Is Williamsburg, VA a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Williamsburg?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Williamsburg?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Williamsburg?
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 $94,127 for occupational therapistsin the Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg 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