Healthcare Virginia Beach, VA Pop. 449,974

Occupational Therapist Salary in Virginia Beach, Virginia

The median occupational therapist salary in Virginia Beach, VA is $96,907 per year, which is 4.0% above the national median and 1.9% below the Virginia state average.

City Median
$96,907
vs State Avg
$-1,864
vs National
+$3,727
Cost of Living
102%

Occupational Therapist Pay in Virginia Beach: What to Expect (2026)

Virginia Beach offers a median occupational therapist salary of $96,907, which is $1,864 below the Virginia state average of $98,771. Compared to the national median of $93,180, Virginia Beach pays above average for this role.

Virginia Beach's cost of living is 102% 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 Virginia Beach spans from $64,480 at the 10th percentile to $132,610 at the 90th percentile — a $68,130 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $66,560, while senior occupational therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $124,800. With a population of 449,974, Virginia Beach is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Occupational Therapist Salary in Virginia Beach by Experience

In Virginia Beach, an entry-level occupational therapist earns around $66,560, while experienced professionals earn up to $124,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$66,560
+$2,560 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$96,720
+$3,720 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$124,800
+$4,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Virginia Beach, VA

Percentile Virginia Beach
10th Percentile $64,480
25th Percentile $80,288
Median (50th) $96,907
75th Percentile $114,192
90th Percentile $132,610

Occupational Therapist Salary in Other Virginia Cities

Arlington, VA
$124,861
Pop. 238,643
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 Virginia Beach

Education

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

Find Occupational Therapist Jobs in Virginia Beach

Browse open occupational therapist positions in Virginia Beach, VA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapist Salary in Virginia Beach

How much does a Occupational Therapist make in Virginia Beach, VA? ▼
The median occupational therapist salary in Virginia Beach, Virginia is $96,907 per year, which is 4.0% above the national median of $93,180. Salaries range from $64,480 (10th percentile) to $132,610 (90th percentile).
How much does a Occupational Therapist make per hour in Virginia Beach? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $96,907, a occupational therapist in Virginia Beach earns approximately $47 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Virginia Beach compare to the Virginia state average for occupational therapist pay? ▼
Virginia Beach's median occupational therapist salary of $96,907 is 1.9% below the Virginia state average of $98,771. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Virginia Beach, VA? ▼
Virginia Beach has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a occupational therapist salary of $96,907 in Virginia Beach has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a occupational therapist in Virginia Beach? ▼
Most occupational therapist positions in Virginia Beach 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.