Richmond vs Virginia Beach: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapy assistant salaries between Richmond, VA and Virginia Beach, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Richmond, VA | Virginia Beach, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $78,917▲ | $67,577 |
| Hourly Rate | $37.95▲ | $32.49 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,405 | $59,362▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $66,354▲ | $61,254 |
| 75th Percentile | $82,371▲ | $78,763 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $96,055▲ | $83,543 |
| Total Employed | 210 | 300▲ |
Verdict
Richmond, VA offers better overall compensation for occupational therapy assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Virginia Beach.
The salary gap between Richmond and Virginia Beach is $11,340 (16.78%). Richmond's median is +6.17% compared to the US national median of $74,332.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Richmond spans $44,650,Virginia Beach spans $24,181. Richmond 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, Richmond ($80,644 effective) pays 16.88% 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 Richmond if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($78,917/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($96,055)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $80,644)
- ✓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 Richmond grew 8.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 2.9% growth in Virginia Beach over the same period.
Richmond, VA
$70,460 (2019) → $76,760 (2025)
Virginia Beach, VA
$63,890 (2019) → $65,730 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Richmond, VA
Virginia Beach, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapy assistants more: Richmond or Virginia Beach?
What is the hourly rate difference between Richmond and Virginia Beach?
Should I relocate from Richmond to Virginia Beach as a occupational therapy assistant?
What do entry-level occupational therapy assistants earn in Richmond 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