Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Fredericksburg, VA: $76,828 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Fredericksburg, VA earns a median $76,828/year (≈ $36.94/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Fredericksburg's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $74,446 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.6% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
As of 2026, occupational therapy assistants in Fredericksburg, Virginia are projected to earn a median annual salary of $76,828, slightly higher than the national median of $74,332. The salary range for these professionals varies significantly, from $53,989 at the 10th percentile to $95,075 at the 90th percentile. These figures are estimated based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional price differences. With a local cost of living index of 103.2, which is above the national average, the salaries reflect the competitive nature of the job market in Fredericksburg. This context is vital for prospective occupational therapy assistants to understand, particularly for those considering the COTA-to-MOT bridge pathway, as advancing one’s education can lead to higher lifetime earnings.
About the Fredericksburg Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,989 | $25.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $68,891 | $33.13 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $76,828 | $36.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $84,724 | $40.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $95,075 | $45.71 |
Median Salary Position
3.36% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fredericksburg
In Fredericksburg, VA, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $41,086 (2026 est.). At $76,828, the local median is 3.36% above the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Fredericksburg: You'd be above the median
How Fredericksburg Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Fredericksburg median: $76,828/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fredericksburg Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $78,879 | -2.60% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | +3.36% more |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Fredericksburg, VA earn a median of $76,828 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.36% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 2.60% below the Virginia state average of $78,879.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fredericksburg has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fredericksburg, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $76,828 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $74,446 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$63,576
2025 BLS Actual
$74,728
2026 Current Est.
$76,828
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Fredericksburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63,576 | Actual |
| 2020 | $65,054 | Actual |
| 2021 | $63,803 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,408 | Actual |
| 2023 | $69,260 | Actual |
| 2024 | $68,318 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,728 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,828 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78,987 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fredericksburg metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $63,576 (2019) to $74,728 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $78,987 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,411 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fredericksburg 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $53,989 – $68,891 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $68,891 – $76,828 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $76,828 – $84,724 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $84,724 – $95,075 |
OTA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapy assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Job Market in Fredericksburg
In Fredericksburg, the job market for occupational therapy assistants is relatively small but stable, with only seven individuals currently employed in this role. The cost of living, while slightly elevated compared to national averages, impacts take-home pay and financial planning for those entering the profession. Among various employers, skilled nursing facilities generally offer the most competitive wages, while positions in school settings may provide more consistent hours but lower pay compared to hospital environments. The spread between lower and higher salaries can be attributed to varying productivity expectations, contractual agreements, and the recent 15% Medicare reimbursement cut that affects service provision and, subsequently, compensation in different settings. To maximize their earnings, occupational therapy assistants in Fredericksburg might consider specializing in high-demand areas or negotiating for weekend and PRN positions that often come with pay premiums.
More salary data for Fredericksburg, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Fredericksburg, VA in 2026?
Is Fredericksburg, VA a good place to work as a occupational therapy assistant?
Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Fredericksburg?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapy assistant salary in Fredericksburg?
How much does a occupational therapy assistant make per hour in Fredericksburg?
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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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $74,728 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Fredericksburg metropolitan area. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Fredericksburg 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