Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Springfield, VA: $75,970 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Springfield, VA earns a median $75,970/year (≈ $36.53/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Springfield's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $73,614 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.7% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in Springfield, Virginia, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $75,970 in 2026, which is slightly above the national median of $74,332. This figure reflects a full salary range that spans from $58,248 at the 10th percentile to $92,362 at the 90th percentile, signaling a robust earning potential for those in this field. The estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local cost of living factors, which are notably higher with a cost-of-living index of 103.2. For those considering the COTA-to-MOT transition, it's worth understanding that this pathway can lead to increased lifetime earnings, significantly enhancing one's career prospects in a competitive job market like Springfield.
About the Springfield Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $58,248 | $28.01 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $67,086 | $32.25 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $75,970 | $36.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $82,772 | $39.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $92,362 | $44.40 |
Median Salary Position
2.20% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Springfield
In Springfield, VA, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $34,114 (2026 est.). At $75,970, the local median is 2.2% above the national median of $74,332.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Springfield: You'd be above the median
How Springfield Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Springfield median: $75,970/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Springfield Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $78,889 | -3.70% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | +2.20% more |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Springfield, VA earn a median of $75,970 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.20% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 3.70% below the Virginia state average of $78,889.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Springfield has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Springfield, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $75,970 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $73,614 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$62,866
2025 BLS Actual
$73,894
2026 Current Est.
$75,970
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Springfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,866 | Actual |
| 2020 | $64,328 | Actual |
| 2021 | $63,091 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,667 | Actual |
| 2023 | $68,487 | Actual |
| 2024 | $67,556 | Actual |
| 2025 | $73,894 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75,970 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78,105 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Springfield metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $62,866 (2019) to $73,894 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $78,105 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,239 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Springfield 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) | $58,248 – $67,086 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $67,086 – $75,970 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $75,970 – $82,772 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $82,772 – $92,362 |
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 Springfield
The job market has seen a modest presence of eight occupational therapy assistants currently employed in Springfield, with the local salaries reflecting the area's unique cost structure. The cost of living, slightly above the national average, means that while salaries are competitive, take-home purchasing power may feel constrained compared to other regions. Employers in Springfield that tend to offer higher pay include skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehab services, where productivity expectations weigh more heavily. Additionally, the current landscape is affected by factors like the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut impacting OTA services, which drives salaries down in outpatient settings. To maximize pay, professionals should explore opportunities within high-demand settings, consider weekend or PRN shifts for added compensation, and engage in ongoing education to stay competitive amidst evolving industry standards.
More salary data for Springfield, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Springfield, VA in 2026?
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Springfield?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapy assistant salary in Springfield?
How much does a occupational therapy assistant make per hour in Springfield?
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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 $73,894 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Springfield 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 Springfield 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