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Occupational Therapist Salary in Bristol, VA

How much does a occupational therapist make in Bristol? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Bristol's cost of living.

Median Salary
$74,089
per year in Bristol
Entry Level
$49,392
Starting salary
Senior Level
$100,432
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
78
22% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how occupational therapist salaries break down across different pay periods in Bristol.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$49,392$74,089$100,432
Monthly$4,116$6,174$8,369
Biweekly$1,900$2,850$3,863
Weekly$950$1,425$1,931
Hourly$24$36$48

Bristol vs National Average

How Bristol's occupational therapist salaries compare to national figures.

Bristol Salary
$74,089
COL Index: 78
National Average
$87,950
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$13,861
Lower in Bristol

Cost of Living in Bristol

1-Bedroom Rent
$650
per month
Median Income
$36,234
per year
Population
17,340
residents
Rent % of Income
21.5%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 78 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Bristol have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Occupational Therapist

Overview

Help patients develop and maintain skills for daily living and work.

Education

Master's degree in Occupational Therapy; licensure required

Key Skills

Therapeutic TechniquesPatient AssessmentTreatment PlanningRehabilitation

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +17% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Occupational Therapist Salary

See Occupational Therapist salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$102,750
+39%
Los Angeles, CA
$115,380
+56%
Chicago, IL
$100,940
+36%
Houston, TX
$101,050
+36%
Phoenix, AZ
$103,090
+39%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Occupational Therapist Salary in Bristol, VA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a occupational therapist in Bristol, VA is $74,089 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 78. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Bristol's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level occupational therapist professionals in Bristol can expect to earn around $49,392 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level occupational therapists earning approximately $100,432 per year. This represents a 103% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Bristol's cost of living index of 78 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Bristol are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $87,950, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a occupational therapist's salary in Bristol typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $650 per month, housing represents about 10.5% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Occupational Therapists are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 17% over the next decade. In Bristol, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.