Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Williamsburg, VA: $54,669 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapy assistants entering the Williamsburg, VA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $54,669 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Williamsburg's local price level (BEA RPP 103.2 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $52,974 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($74,731) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the occupational therapy assistant field in Williamsburg, Virginia, starting salaries can vary significantly. Entry-level positions typically pay around $54,669 annually, which is on the lower end relative to the city median salary of $74,731. While the initial pay might seem modest, there is considerable potential for wage growth as one gains experience. Over the first three to five years, a new professional can expect their salary to rise toward the P25 range of $63,795, and even closer to the median with steady performance. Williamsburg currently presents a favorable market for entry-level occupational therapy assistants, particularly for those equipped with appropriate credentials and a proactive approach to career development.
About the Williamsburg Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Williamsburg
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Williamsburg
Entry-level occupational therapy assistants in Williamsburg, VA typically start between $54,669 and $63,795 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $35,298 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $74,731 — 0.54% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in Virginia of $24,000 represents just 43.90% of the starting occupational therapy assistant pay ($54,669/year) in Williamsburg. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on ACOTE-accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant associate degree programs. Tuition varies between community college and private technical school settings.
OTA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Williamsburg
- 1Research the Williamsburg market: entry-level occupational therapy assistant pay ranges from $54,669 to $63,795, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the occupational therapy field — employers in VA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Williamsburg, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Williamsburg for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Williamsburg's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Compensation Range
The occupational therapy assistant wage spread in Williamsburg is $35,298 ( 64.57%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $54,669, experienced hygienists can earn up to $89,967.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$43,096
2025 BLS Actual
$53,175
2026 Current Est.
$54,669
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Williamsburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,096 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,593 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,342 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,509 | Actual |
| 2023 | $50,263 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,029 | Actual |
| 2025 | $53,175 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,669 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56,205 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapy assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Williamsburg, VA grew 23.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $43,096 in 2019 to $53,175 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $56,205. New graduates entering the Williamsburg job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Williamsburg metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.81% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your occupational therapy Career in Williamsburg
Employers in Williamsburg that are known for hiring new COTAs include skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and rehabilitation firms, which often prioritize fresh graduates for their enthusiasm and adaptability. School districts may also provide opportunities, especially since they offer summer break schedules. However, outpatient clinics generally prefer candidates with more experience but can be willing to train new graduates in specialties like pediatric or hand therapy. To optimize starting pay in Virginia, it’s essential for new graduates to have an Associate's degree from an ACOTE-accredited program, as well as passing the NBCOT national exam to obtain the COTA credential and state licensing. In the first few years of employment, realistic salary growth may align with market trends influenced by the 15% Medicare Part B cut on OTA services, which has been affecting pay structures since 2022. Engaging in continuing education through AOTA and considering COTA-to-MOT bridge programs can further enhance both skills and earning potential in this evolving landscape.
More salary data for Williamsburg, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for occupational therapy assistants in Williamsburg in 2026?
How fast do occupational therapy assistant salaries grow in Williamsburg?
Is occupational therapy school worth it in Williamsburg?
What do new occupational therapy assistants make right out of school in Williamsburg?
How do I become a occupational therapy assistant in Virginia?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new occupational therapy graduates. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Williamsburg. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Williamsburg is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.81%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for occupational therapy assistants (SOC 31-2011).
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