Dale City vs Virginia Beach: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapy assistant salaries between Dale City, VA and Virginia Beach, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Dale City, VA | Virginia Beach, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $76,812▲ | $67,577 |
| Hourly Rate | $36.93▲ | $32.49 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,908 | $59,362▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $65,963▲ | $61,254 |
| 75th Percentile | $85,860▲ | $78,763 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $94,652▲ | $83,543 |
| Total Employed | 12 | 300▲ |
Verdict
Dale City, VA offers better overall compensation for occupational therapy assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Virginia Beach.
The salary gap between Dale City and Virginia Beach is $9,235 (13.67%). Dale City's median is +3.34% compared to the US national median of $74,332.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dale City spans $38,744,Virginia Beach spans $24,181. Dale City has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Dale City ($74,430 effective) pays 7.87% more than Virginia Beach ($68,998 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Dale City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($76,812/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($94,652)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $74,430)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Virginia Beach if…
- ✓Larger job market (300 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapy assistant salaries in Dale City grew 9.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 2.9% growth in Virginia Beach over the same period.
Dale City, VA
$68,304 (2024) → $74,713 (2025)
Virginia Beach, VA
$63,890 (2019) → $65,730 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Dale City, VA
Virginia Beach, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapy assistants more: Dale City or Virginia Beach?
What is the hourly rate difference between Dale City and Virginia Beach?
Should I relocate from Dale City to Virginia Beach as a occupational therapy assistant?
What do entry-level occupational therapy assistants earn in Dale City vs Virginia Beach?
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Written by Jordan Lee, MS, OTR/L
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as an occupational therapist. Their specialty is working with children with developmental disorders. They have worked in various healthcare settings including schools and rehabilitation facilities.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.81% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, MS, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapy assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov