Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Dale City, VA: $36.93 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Dale City, VA runs $36.93 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $76,812 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Dale City's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.78 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,088 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Dale City, Virginia, the projected hourly median pay for occupational therapy assistants is $36.93 in 2026, which is slightly above the national median of $35.74. For part-time workers, such as those employed three days a week, this rate translates to about $29,191 annually, making it a viable option for those seeking flexibility while working in various settings like skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and home health visits. Entry-level occupational therapy assistants can expect to earn between $26.87 and $36.93 per hour, while the most experienced may reach up to $45.50 per hour. The earnings potential makes this career attractive for individuals looking for per-diem opportunities, where compensation may vary based on demand and specific job responsibilities, often ranging between $30 and $45 per hour.
About the Dale City Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $26.87 | $215.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.72 | $253.74 |
| Median (P50) | $36.93 | $295.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.28 | $330.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.50 | $364.03 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Dale City
Based on $36.93/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.93/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Dale City, VA can expect to earn approximately $76,813 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,315. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Dale City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Dale City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,477.17 | $6,401 | $76,813 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $886.30 | $3,841 | $46,088 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $590.87 | $2,560 | $30,725 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Dale City) | $36.93 |
| Occupational Therapist (National Avg) | $47.00 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Athletic Trainer (National Avg) | $27.85 |
| Recreational Therapist (National Avg) | $27.50 |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Dale City, VA earn a median of $76,812 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.34% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 2.70% below the Virginia state average of $78,944.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.93/hr = $46,088/year (purchasing power: $44,659).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $76,813/year (purchasing power: $74,431).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$30.56/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.92/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.93/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Dale City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.56/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.27/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.67/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.92/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.29/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.84/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.92/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.93/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.97/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Dale City grew 17.5% from $30.56/hr (2019) to $35.92/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.97/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem occupational therapy assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dale City 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.
Working as an Hourly Occupational Therapy Assistant in Dale City
As professionals explore employment options, understanding the earning potential is essential. A part-time occupational therapy assistant working 24 hours weekly takes home less compared to their full-time counterparts, which may be necessary for those with other commitments. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Dale City varies, as travel contracts can yield $1,100 to $1,700 weekly, significantly enhancing overall earnings. Different employer types also affect hourly pay, with skilled nursing facilities and hospital rehabilitation units typically offering varying compensation compared to school districts and outpatient services. While some may prioritize higher hourly rates without benefits, others prefer stable positions that include health insurance options. Negotiating with potential employers in Dale City can be advantageous, especially when highlighting specific skill sets or asking for more favorable terms based on market conditions, especially considering the impact of past reimbursement cuts affecting roles in SNF and outpatient care.
More salary data for Dale City, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for occupational therapy assistants in Dale City. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Dale City 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