HealthcareOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Occupational Therapist Salary in Washington DC
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$175,517/yr
Typical range: $164,491 – $193,837
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Occupational Therapist salary by experience level in Washington DC
Occupational Therapist Salary Progression in Washington DC
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $95,986 | $7,999 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $117,926 | $9,827 | +23% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $130,724 | $10,894 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $144,802 | $12,067 | +51% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $175,517 | $14,626 | +83% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $201,845 | $16,820 | +110% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $208,427 | $17,369 | +117% |
Current Salary
$175,517
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $84/hr
Next Level Target
$201,845
Principal · 14
+$26Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
54/100
Moderate
+14% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Occupational Therapist salary in Washington DC, DC?
Staff / Lead Occupational Therapists in Washington DC, DC earn approximately $176K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Occupational Therapist make per hour in Washington DC, DC?
Based on $176K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $84/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Occupational Therapist in Washington DC, DC?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Occupational Therapist in Washington DC, DC earns $164K–$194K/yr.