Healthcare Arlington, VA Pop. 238,643

Occupational Therapist Salary in Arlington, Virginia

The median occupational therapist salary in Arlington, VA is $124,861 per year, which is 34.0% above the national median and 26.4% above the Virginia state average.

City Median
$124,861
vs State Avg
+$26,090
vs National
+$31,681
Cost of Living
132%

Occupational Therapist Pay in Arlington: What to Expect (2026)

Arlington offers a median occupational therapist salary of $124,861, which is $26,090 above the Virginia state average of $98,771. Compared to the national median of $93,180, Arlington pays above average for this role.

However, Arlington's cost of living index is 132%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $124,861 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $94,592. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Arlington should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for occupational therapists in Arlington spans from $83,080 at the 10th percentile to $170,863 at the 90th percentile — a $87,783 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $85,760, while senior occupational therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $160,800. With a population of 238,643, Arlington is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Occupational Therapist Salary in Arlington by Experience

In Arlington, an entry-level occupational therapist earns around $85,760, while experienced professionals earn up to $160,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 132% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$85,760
+$21,760 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$124,620
+$31,620 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$160,800
+$40,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Arlington, VA

Percentile Arlington
10th Percentile $83,080
25th Percentile $103,448
Median (50th) $124,861
75th Percentile $147,132
90th Percentile $170,863

Occupational Therapist Salary in Other Virginia Cities

Virginia Beach, VA
$96,907
Pop. 449,974
Richmond, VA
$95,044
Pop. 226,610
Chesapeake, VA
$93,180
Pop. 249,422
Norfolk, VA
$91,316
Pop. 238,005

How to Become a Occupational Therapist in Arlington

Education

Most occupational therapist positions require a master's degree. Arlington and the surrounding Virginia area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Therapeutic ActivitiesPatient AssessmentAdaptive EquipmentDocumentationRehabilitationCommunication

Job Outlook

Nationally, occupational therapist employment is projected to grow 12% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Arlington may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Occupational Therapist Jobs in Arlington

Browse open occupational therapist positions in Arlington, VA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapist Salary in Arlington

How much does a Occupational Therapist make in Arlington, VA? ▼
The median occupational therapist salary in Arlington, Virginia is $124,861 per year, which is 34.0% above the national median of $93,180. Salaries range from $83,080 (10th percentile) to $170,863 (90th percentile).
How much does a Occupational Therapist make per hour in Arlington? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $124,861, a occupational therapist in Arlington earns approximately $60 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Arlington compare to the Virginia state average for occupational therapist pay? ▼
Arlington's median occupational therapist salary of $124,861 is 26.4% above the Virginia state average of $98,771. The local cost of living index is 132% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Arlington, VA? ▼
Arlington has a cost of living index of 132% compared to the national average. This means a occupational therapist salary of $124,861 in Arlington has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a occupational therapist in Arlington? ▼
Most occupational therapist positions in Arlington require a master's degree. Key skills include Therapeutic Activities, Patient Assessment, Adaptive Equipment, Documentation. The job market is projected to grow 12% nationally over the next decade.