Healthcare Norfolk, VA Pop. 238,005

Occupational Therapist Salary in Norfolk, Virginia

The median occupational therapist salary in Norfolk, VA is $91,316 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 7.5% below the Virginia state average.

City Median
$91,316
vs State Avg
$-7,455
vs National
$-1,864
Cost of Living
96%

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

Norfolk offers a median occupational therapist salary of $91,316, which is $7,455 below the Virginia state average of $98,771. Compared to the national median of $93,180, Norfolk pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Norfolk's cost of living is 96% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for occupational therapists in Norfolk spans from $60,760 at the 10th percentile to $124,960 at the 90th percentile — a $64,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $62,720, while senior occupational therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $117,600. With a population of 238,005, Norfolk is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Occupational Therapist Salary in Norfolk by Experience

In Norfolk, an entry-level occupational therapist earns around $62,720, while experienced professionals earn up to $117,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$62,720
$-1,280 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$91,140
$-1,860 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$117,600
$-2,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Norfolk, VA

Percentile Norfolk
10th Percentile $60,760
25th Percentile $75,656
Median (50th) $91,316
75th Percentile $107,604
90th Percentile $124,960

Occupational Therapist Salary in Other Virginia Cities

Arlington, VA
$124,861
Pop. 238,643
Virginia Beach, VA
$96,907
Pop. 449,974
Richmond, VA
$95,044
Pop. 226,610
Chesapeake, VA
$93,180
Pop. 249,422

How to Become a Occupational Therapist in Norfolk

Education

Most occupational therapist positions require a master's degree. Norfolk 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 Norfolk may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Occupational Therapist Jobs in Norfolk

Browse open occupational therapist positions in Norfolk, VA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapist Salary in Norfolk

How much does a Occupational Therapist make in Norfolk, VA? ▼
The median occupational therapist salary in Norfolk, Virginia is $91,316 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $93,180. Salaries range from $60,760 (10th percentile) to $124,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Occupational Therapist make per hour in Norfolk? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $91,316, a occupational therapist in Norfolk earns approximately $44 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Norfolk compare to the Virginia state average for occupational therapist pay? ▼
Norfolk's median occupational therapist salary of $91,316 is 7.5% below the Virginia state average of $98,771. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Norfolk, VA? ▼
Norfolk has a cost of living index of 96% compared to the national average. This means a occupational therapist salary of $91,316 in Norfolk has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a occupational therapist in Norfolk? ▼
Most occupational therapist positions in Norfolk 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.