Occupational therapist salary
BLS occupation: Occupational Therapists · also called OT · Healthcare practitioners · data for May 2025
Median salary $100,330 a year, US
Median hourly pay $48.24 an hour
Middle half earn $82,510–$116,670 25th to 75th percentile
Occupational therapists employed 162,450 +14.8% projected by 2035
How much does an occupational therapist make?
- The median occupational therapist salary in the US is $100,330 a year ($48.24 an hour): half of the 162,450 occupational therapists BLS counts earn more and half earn less. The average (mean) is $101,280.
- The middle half earn between $82,510 and $116,670. The lowest-paid 10% earn less than $71,690 and the top 10% more than $131,950.
- That is 97% more than the median for all US workers ($50,980).
- California pays occupational therapists the most (median $124,510), followed by Oregon ($112,310) and Nevada ($110,520). North Dakota pays the least ($83,200).
- After adjusting for prices, the pay goes furthest in Arkansas, where the median is worth $122,341 in typical US prices, then Oklahoma and California. California's higher pay is offset by its prices (110.7 vs a US average of 100).
- In 346 of the 360 metro areas with data, the median occupational therapist salary is enough to rent a typical home without spending more than 30% of income on rent.
- BLS projects the number of occupational therapists to grow 14.8% from 2025 to 2035 (all jobs: 3.5%), with about 10,000 openings a year. The typical entry education is a master's degree.
official From BLS's survey of employers: what occupational therapists are actually paid, not job ads or self-reports. Adjusted figures are derived. How we calculate.
How does your pay compare?
Occupational therapist salary range
Half of occupational therapists earn between $82,510 and $116,670 a year
Yearly pay at each point of the range, US, May 2025. For comparison, the median for all US jobs is $50,980.
Lowest 10% earn under Yearly pay: $71,690
Lowest 25% earn under Yearly pay: $82,510
Median Yearly pay: $100,330
Top 25% earn over Yearly pay: $116,670
Top 10% earn over Yearly pay: $131,950
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
Show the numbers
| Yearly pay | |
|---|---|
| Lowest 10% earn under | $71,690 |
| Lowest 25% earn under | $82,510 |
| Median | $100,330 |
| Top 25% earn over | $116,670 |
| Top 10% earn over | $131,950 |
Occupational therapist salary by state
California pays occupational therapists the most; North Dakota the least
Median yearly pay by state compared with the US median ($100,330), May 2025. Blue = higher pay.
- 20%+ below US
- 10–20% below
- 3–10% below
- Within 3%
- 3–10% above
- 10–20% above
- 20%+ above US
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025.
Show the numbers
| State | Median pay |
|---|---|
| California | $124,510 median |
| Oregon | $112,310 median |
| Nevada | $110,520 median |
| District of Columbia | $109,170 median |
| Washington | $107,670 median |
| Maryland | $106,980 median |
| Colorado | $106,720 median |
| Arkansas | $106,360 median |
| Texas | $106,140 median |
| Oklahoma | $104,300 median |
| Georgia | $104,010 median |
| Alaska | $103,680 median |
| Arizona | $103,660 median |
| New Jersey | $103,410 median |
| Hawaii | $102,870 median |
| Connecticut | $102,440 median |
| Delaware | $102,130 median |
| South Carolina | $101,130 median |
| Massachusetts | $100,930 median |
| Virginia | $100,710 median |
| Rhode Island | $100,040 median |
| Illinois | $99,700 median |
| Ohio | $99,390 median |
| Florida | $99,360 median |
| Kansas | $99,170 median |
| New Mexico | $99,170 median |
| Louisiana | $98,490 median |
| Pennsylvania | $98,440 median |
| Idaho | $97,760 median |
| Tennessee | $97,700 median |
| Kentucky | $97,650 median |
| Missouri | $97,290 median |
| Utah | $97,150 median |
| Indiana | $97,020 median |
| New York | $96,390 median |
| West Virginia | $96,190 median |
| Mississippi | $94,930 median |
| Alabama | $94,050 median |
| Nebraska | $93,740 median |
| Vermont | $93,340 median |
| Minnesota | $93,050 median |
| North Carolina | $92,940 median |
| Wisconsin | $92,390 median |
| Iowa | $89,910 median |
| Michigan | $89,910 median |
| Montana | $88,990 median |
| Wyoming | $86,170 median |
| South Dakota | $85,050 median |
| Maine | $84,310 median |
| New Hampshire | $83,900 median |
| North Dakota | $83,200 median |
Where occupational therapist pay goes furthest
A salary buys more where prices are low. We divide each state's median by its price level from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, so every figure is in typical US prices. derived
Occupational therapists' pay goes furthest in Arkansas once prices are counted
Median pay ÷ the state's price level (BEA, 2024; US = 100), shown in typical US prices. Top 10 states.
US median
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025; BEA Regional Price Parities 2024. Our calculation.
Show the numbers
| Worth, in US prices | |
|---|---|
| Arkansas | $122,341 |
| Oklahoma | $118,735 |
| California | $112,455 |
| Louisiana | $111,658 |
| Nevada | $110,543 |
| Kansas | $110,106 |
| Texas | $109,358 |
| Mississippi | $109,174 |
| Oregon | $108,658 |
| Kentucky | $108,309 |
Occupational therapist pay in every state
| State | Median a year | Hourly | Lowest 10% | Top 10% | Employed | After cost of living |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $124,510 | $59.86 | $85,550 | $158,560 | 13,810 | $112,455 |
| Oregon | $112,310 | $54.00 | $78,500 | $131,340 | 1,170 | $108,658 |
| Nevada | $110,520 | $53.13 | $85,720 | $139,260 | 1,080 | $110,543 |
| District of Columbia | $109,170 | $52.49 | $81,760 | $129,810 | 540 | $99,335 |
| Washington | $107,670 | $51.76 | $83,110 | $135,290 | 3,340 | $100,614 |
| Maryland | $106,980 | $51.43 | $76,650 | $132,300 | 2,390 | $101,926 |
| Colorado | $106,720 | $51.31 | $81,390 | $157,820 | 3,390 | $103,559 |
| Arkansas | $106,360 | $51.13 | $65,160 | $144,250 | 2,160 | $122,341 |
| Texas | $106,140 | $51.03 | $76,350 | $135,200 | 13,400 | $109,358 |
| Oklahoma | $104,300 | $50.14 | $68,530 | $134,420 | 1,180 | $118,735 |
| Georgia | $104,010 | $50.00 | $75,290 | $128,610 | 3,650 | $108,014 |
| Alaska | $103,680 | $49.85 | $82,320 | $133,860 | 410 | $101,291 |
| Arizona | $103,660 | $49.84 | $78,160 | $131,950 | 2,680 | $102,963 |
| New Jersey | $103,410 | $49.72 | $78,690 | $159,230 | 6,290 | $95,042 |
| Hawaii | $102,870 | $49.46 | $78,670 | $118,240 | 390 | $93,560 |
| Connecticut | $102,440 | $49.25 | $76,360 | $127,630 | 3,150 | $98,871 |
| Delaware | $102,130 | $49.10 | $71,280 | $138,640 | 490 | $102,326 |
| South Carolina | $101,130 | $48.62 | $75,370 | $123,110 | 1,840 | $107,873 |
| Massachusetts | $100,930 | $48.52 | $73,140 | $127,380 | 6,510 | $95,436 |
| Virginia | $100,710 | $48.42 | $70,200 | $134,570 | 4,150 | $99,610 |
| Rhode Island | $100,040 | $48.10 | $75,760 | $126,630 | 770 | $97,810 |
| Illinois | $99,700 | $47.93 | $73,360 | $132,180 | 7,710 | $99,742 |
| Ohio | $99,390 | $47.78 | $70,080 | $123,800 | 6,760 | $107,131 |
| Florida | $99,360 | $47.77 | $66,230 | $117,950 | 10,650 | $96,080 |
| Kansas | $99,170 | $47.68 | $66,720 | $120,950 | 1,560 | $110,106 |
| New Mexico | $99,170 | $47.68 | $69,230 | $133,050 | 1,030 | $107,546 |
| Louisiana | $98,490 | $47.35 | $61,070 | $126,630 | 2,060 | $111,658 |
| Pennsylvania | $98,440 | $47.33 | $69,120 | $128,790 | 6,560 | $100,890 |
| Idaho | $97,760 | $47.00 | $69,440 | $152,880 | 840 | $102,373 |
| Tennessee | $97,700 | $46.97 | $68,520 | $119,070 | 2,490 | $106,346 |
| Kentucky | $97,650 | $46.95 | $71,030 | $119,250 | 2,190 | $108,309 |
| Missouri | $97,290 | $46.77 | $71,880 | $120,130 | 3,400 | $107,128 |
| Utah | $97,150 | $46.71 | $75,570 | $126,970 | 1,030 | $98,266 |
| Indiana | $97,020 | $46.64 | $69,550 | $119,950 | 3,830 | $103,955 |
| New York | $96,390 | $46.34 | $64,770 | $133,700 | 11,690 | $89,315 |
| West Virginia | $96,190 | $46.25 | $60,870 | $129,460 | 700 | $107,478 |
| Mississippi | $94,930 | $45.64 | $73,200 | $113,950 | 1,340 | $109,174 |
| Alabama | $94,050 | $45.22 | $76,670 | $123,870 | 1,500 | $105,885 |
| Nebraska | $93,740 | $45.07 | $70,370 | $107,780 | 1,500 | $104,036 |
| Vermont | $93,340 | $44.88 | $69,120 | $118,110 | 320 | $95,286 |
| Minnesota | $93,050 | $44.74 | $71,770 | $108,790 | 3,670 | $94,351 |
| North Carolina | $92,940 | $44.68 | $62,230 | $118,300 | 4,490 | $98,531 |
| Wisconsin | $92,390 | $44.42 | $73,610 | $110,950 | 3,710 | $98,188 |
| Iowa | $89,910 | $43.23 | $64,610 | $109,200 | 1,290 | $102,448 |
| Michigan | $89,910 | $43.23 | $66,580 | $105,720 | 5,120 | $93,445 |
| Montana | $88,990 | $42.78 | $76,110 | $110,910 | 420 | $94,025 |
| Wyoming | $86,170 | $41.43 | $57,740 | $127,790 | 350 | $92,965 |
| South Dakota | $85,050 | $40.89 | $65,820 | $106,520 | 490 | $96,008 |
| Maine | $84,310 | $40.53 | $63,750 | $114,100 | 1,120 | $86,873 |
| New Hampshire | $83,900 | $40.34 | $64,150 | $115,050 | 1,240 | $80,545 |
| North Dakota | $83,200 | $40.00 | $66,890 | $106,300 | 570 | $93,526 |
After cost of living = median ÷ (BEA price level ÷ 100).
Occupational therapist salary by city
Metro areas where BLS publishes occupational therapist pay: 364 of 387. Rent share = typical rent (September 2026, Zillow) × 12 ÷ the median salary; under 30% is affordable by the usual rule.
Highest-paying metro areas
- San Jose, CA $136,870
- San Francisco, CA $136,770
- Vallejo, CA $135,000
- Santa Cruz, CA $130,420
- Chico, CA $129,260
- Santa Rosa, CA $128,010
- Santa Maria, CA $125,890
- Napa, CA $124,490
- Boulder, CO $123,490
- Bakersfield, CA $123,200
Where the pay goes furthest
- Chico, CA $127,731
- Texarkana, TX $126,244
- Longview, TX $126,010
- Austin, TX $124,457
- Vallejo, CA $124,448
- Dalton, GA $124,193
- San Jose, CA $123,951
- Jonesboro, AR $123,853
- Visalia, CA $122,905
- Spartanburg, SC $122,503
All 364 metro areas
| Metro area | Median a year | Employed | After cost of living | Rent share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $136,870 | 840 | $123,951 | 33% |
| San Francisco, CA | $136,770 | 1,560 | $118,300 | 30% |
| Vallejo, CA | $135,000 | 100 | $124,448 | 22% |
| Santa Cruz, CA | $130,420 | 100 | $118,676 | 32% |
| Chico, CA | $129,260 | 70 | $127,731 | 14% |
| Santa Rosa, CA | $128,010 | 130 | $118,765 | 25% |
| Santa Maria, CA | $125,890 | 170 | $115,710 | 31% |
| Napa, CA | $124,490 | 40 | $110,605 | 28% |
| Boulder, CO | $123,490 | 260 | $117,384 | 21% |
| Bakersfield, CA | $123,200 | 170 | $122,118 | 18% |
| Salinas, CA | $123,180 | 110 | $112,966 | 27% |
| Stockton, CA | $122,990 | 230 | $117,034 | 24% |
| Sacramento, CA | $122,780 | 810 | $115,103 | 22% |
| Visalia, CA | $122,690 | 140 | $122,905 | 17% |
| Austin, TX | $122,050 | 1,600 | $124,457 | 16% |
| Los Angeles, CA | $122,040 | 4,950 | $107,462 | 29% |
| San Diego, CA | $121,680 | 1,620 | $108,753 | 29% |
| Modesto, CA | $121,110 | 170 | $116,331 | 20% |
| Oxnard, CA | $120,570 | 300 | $109,080 | 29% |
| Riverside, CA | $119,530 | 1,110 | $112,296 | 25% |
| Merced, CA | $117,970 | 30 | $120,041 | 21% |
| Fresno, CA | $116,690 | 320 | $114,225 | 21% |
| Bend, OR | $114,870 | 100 | $110,871 | 23% |
| Longview, TX | $112,760 | 130 | $126,010 | 12% |
| Santa Fe, NM | $112,240 | 50 | $113,641 | 21% |
| Portland, OR | $112,100 | 730 | $106,336 | 19% |
| Dalton, GA | $111,580 | 30 | $124,193 | 15% |
| Spartanburg, SC | $111,540 | 210 | $122,503 | 16% |
| Yakima, WA | $111,400 | 40 | $116,594 | 15% |
| Las Vegas, NV | $110,520 | 860 | $110,283 | 19% |
| Redding, CA | $110,230 | 70 | $109,481 | 18% |
| San Luis Obispo, CA | $110,170 | 100 | $101,449 | 31% |
| Seattle, WA | $109,860 | 2,020 | $98,855 | 25% |
| Salem, OR | $109,700 | 140 | $105,838 | 18% |
| Odessa, TX | $109,220 | 40 | $116,320 | 17% |
| Reno, NV | $109,090 | 170 | $107,995 | 23% |
| Las Cruces, NM | $108,630 | 130 | $120,416 | 16% |
| Tulsa, OK | $108,350 | 370 | $121,450 | 15% |
| Eugene, OR | $107,980 | 120 | $106,313 | 20% |
| Gettysburg, PA | $107,880 | 30 | $113,107 | 15% |
| Fayetteville, AR | $107,830 | 450 | $118,037 | 17% |
| Yuba City, CA | $107,760 | 30 | $103,384 | 23% |
| San Antonio, TX | $107,650 | 1,780 | $113,656 | 16% |
| Naples, FL | $107,590 | 170 | $104,254 | 29% |
| Denver, CO | $107,500 | 1,870 | $101,624 | 21% |
| Grand Junction, CO | $107,380 | 110 | $112,468 | 19% |
| Winchester, VA | $106,540 | 140 | $110,461 | 21% |
| Bremerton, WA | $106,530 | 100 | $100,874 | 23% |
| Jonesboro, AR | $106,360 | 140 | $123,853 | 14% |
| Lexington Park, MD | $106,320 | 50 | $105,518 | 23% |
| Atlanta, GA | $106,160 | 2,120 | $106,098 | 21% |
| Dallas, TX | $106,110 | 3,450 | $102,929 | 19% |
| Texarkana, TX | $106,060 | 70 | $126,244 | 14% |
| Beaumont, TX | $105,830 | 120 | $117,529 | 15% |
| Colorado Springs, CO | $105,780 | 520 | $105,037 | 20% |
| Midland, TX | $105,670 | 70 | $110,322 | 18% |
| Richmond, VA | $105,550 | 740 | $107,860 | 19% |
| Baltimore, MD | $105,490 | 1,200 | $100,960 | 22% |
| Olympia, WA | $105,460 | 120 | $101,727 | 23% |
| Bridgeport, CT | $105,240 | 750 | $98,480 | 33% |
| Phoenix, AZ | $105,060 | 2,070 | $101,688 | 20% |
| Bellingham, WA | $105,020 | 100 | $101,632 | 22% |
| Abilene, TX | $104,740 | 90 | $115,909 | 23% |
| Little Rock, AR | $104,680 | 760 | $117,139 | 14% |
| Prescott Valley, AZ | $104,420 | 70 | $106,274 | 22% |
| Salisbury, MD | $104,400 | 40 | $109,186 | 22% |
| Corpus Christi, TX | $104,150 | 160 | $112,387 | 16% |
| St. George, UT | $104,040 | 50 | $106,904 | 21% |
| Greeley, CO | $104,030 | 120 | $103,847 | 19% |
| North Port, FL | $104,030 | 730 | $101,575 | 24% |
| Lake Havasu City, AZ | $104,000 | 40 | $110,523 | 18% |
| Fairbanks, AK | $103,850 | 30 | $100,622 | 21% |
| Dayton, OH | $103,840 | 530 | $112,025 | 15% |
| Victoria, TX | $103,800 | 100 | $115,540 | 14% |
| Anchorage, AK | $103,680 | 300 | $98,349 | 22% |
| Homosassa Springs, FL | $103,680 | 100 | $110,927 | 20% |
| Houston, TX | $103,580 | 2,700 | $105,020 | 19% |
| Philadelphia, PA | $103,140 | 3,410 | $100,571 | 22% |
| Oklahoma City, OK | $103,080 | 530 | $114,016 | 16% |
| Flagstaff, AZ | $103,070 | 50 | $102,736 | 25% |
| Cleveland, OH | $103,060 | 1,200 | $109,728 | 17% |
| Lynchburg, VA | $103,060 | 130 | $115,327 | 15% |
| Washington, DC | $102,960 | 2,640 | $94,559 | 28% |
| Ithaca, NY | $102,910 | 60 | $99,606 | 23% |
| Barnstable, MA | $102,900 | 170 | $104,625 | 30% |
| Honolulu, HI | $102,870 | 320 | $92,708 | 35% |
| Hagerstown, MD | $102,840 | 130 | $109,206 | 19% |
| Springfield, IL | $102,810 | 100 | $110,852 | 14% |
| Mount Vernon, WA | $102,680 | 50 | $100,231 | 26% |
| New Haven, CT | $102,680 | 410 | $98,203 | 24% |
| Norwich, CT | $102,670 | 210 | $102,215 | 25% |
| Columbia, SC | $102,650 | 280 | $109,596 | 18% |
| Fort Collins, CO | $102,550 | – | $101,406 | 23% |
| New Orleans, LA | $102,520 | 390 | $110,716 | 18% |
| Kennewick, WA | $102,460 | 100 | $102,379 | 20% |
| Lancaster, PA | $102,460 | 240 | $104,278 | 18% |
| Amarillo, TX | $102,380 | 130 | $111,501 | 15% |
| Greenville, SC | $102,340 | 400 | $109,736 | 18% |
| Battle Creek, MI | $102,230 | 110 | $112,910 | 13% |
| Boston, MA | $101,940 | 4,790 | $94,157 | 35% |
| Wichita Falls, TX | $101,720 | 70 | $113,637 | 15% |
| El Paso, TX | $101,530 | 320 | $112,922 | 18% |
| Florence, SC | $101,510 | 80 | $116,982 | 18% |
| Waco, TX | $101,500 | 130 | $109,670 | 17% |
| Miami, FL | $101,480 | 2,550 | $88,897 | 31% |
| New York, NY | $101,460 | 11,640 | $90,136 | 42% |
| Trenton, NJ | $101,370 | 210 | $98,246 | 30% |
| Greenville, NC | $101,360 | 130 | $114,658 | 17% |
| Wenatchee, WA | $101,360 | 60 | $97,598 | 21% |
| Tyler, TX | $101,220 | 160 | $109,835 | 16% |
| Sherman, TX | $101,150 | 80 | $107,869 | 16% |
| Athens, GA | $101,080 | 90 | $108,289 | 21% |
| Lawrence, KS | $101,060 | 50 | $111,987 | 19% |
| McAllen, TX | $100,980 | 340 | $117,562 | 13% |
| Charlottesville, VA | $100,930 | 140 | $101,799 | 24% |
| Tucson, AZ | $100,920 | 310 | $104,153 | 18% |
| Cincinnati, OH | $100,870 | 1,360 | $105,767 | 18% |
| Cape Coral, FL | $100,850 | 330 | $98,535 | 22% |
| Hilton Head Island, SC | $100,820 | 70 | $102,860 | 23% |
| Medford, OR | $100,820 | 60 | $99,396 | 22% |
| Rocky Mount, NC | $100,780 | 40 | $114,507 | 15% |
| Myrtle Beach, SC | $100,760 | 100 | $107,601 | 21% |
| Tuscaloosa, AL | $100,760 | 60 | $114,863 | 20% |
| Macon, GA | $100,680 | 90 | $113,727 | 14% |
| Wheeling, WV | $100,680 | 70 | $113,991 | 10% |
| Coeur d'Alene, ID | $100,640 | 100 | $102,388 | 22% |
| Nashville, TN | $100,630 | 710 | $104,455 | 22% |
| Hartford, CT | $100,570 | 1,140 | $97,882 | 24% |
| Punta Gorda, FL | $100,430 | 80 | $99,905 | 22% |
| Pueblo, CO | $100,340 | 60 | $109,348 | 16% |
| Toledo, OH | $100,340 | 380 | $109,715 | 15% |
| Twin Falls, ID | $100,310 | 70 | $108,905 | 19% |
| Hickory, NC | $100,160 | 120 | $113,193 | 19% |
| Indianapolis, IN | $100,080 | 1,660 | $104,581 | 18% |
| Louisville, KY | $100,040 | 710 | $107,484 | 16% |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $99,980 | 510 | $99,120 | 20% |
| Memphis, TN | $99,960 | 420 | $108,441 | 17% |
| Port St. Lucie, FL | $99,940 | 370 | $99,713 | 28% |
| Augusta, GA | $99,880 | 260 | $108,680 | 18% |
| Chicago, IL | $99,860 | 5,960 | $96,395 | 26% |
| Kansas City, MO | $99,840 | 1,360 | $107,885 | 18% |
| Amherst-Northampton, MA | $99,570 | 90 | $99,329 | – |
| San Angelo, TX | $99,570 | 50 | $107,698 | 16% |
| Orlando, FL | $99,520 | 1,160 | $98,129 | 23% |
| Rome, GA | $99,490 | 80 | $110,347 | 15% |
| Waterbury, CT | $99,460 | 380 | $99,681 | – |
| Virginia Beach, VA | $99,400 | 830 | $101,490 | 23% |
| Jacksonville, FL | $99,340 | 890 | $99,855 | 20% |
| Brownsville, TX | $99,310 | 140 | $115,510 | 18% |
| Spokane, WA | $99,280 | 320 | $98,938 | 18% |
| Shreveport, LA | $99,250 | 150 | $117,087 | 16% |
| Sebastian, FL | $99,230 | 70 | $100,938 | 26% |
| York, PA | $99,180 | 160 | $103,313 | 17% |
| Albuquerque, NM | $99,170 | 550 | $103,793 | 18% |
| Rapid City, SD | $99,120 | 80 | $111,171 | 18% |
| Topeka, KS | $99,070 | 120 | $111,540 | 15% |
| Yuma, AZ | $99,010 | 50 | $106,800 | 17% |
| Wichita, KS | $99,000 | 320 | $111,303 | 15% |
| Cape Girardeau, MO | $98,990 | 70 | $115,000 | 12% |
| Monroe, LA | $98,980 | 130 | $118,401 | 14% |
| Lawton, OK | $98,940 | 30 | $115,125 | 14% |
| Huntington, WV | $98,930 | 140 | $111,884 | 13% |
| Columbus, OH | $98,920 | 1,370 | $103,615 | 18% |
| Lebanon, PA | $98,860 | 40 | $106,057 | 18% |
| Blacksburg, VA | $98,800 | 50 | $106,569 | 20% |
| Harrisonburg, VA | $98,780 | 50 | $104,097 | 21% |
| Burlington, VT | $98,710 | 120 | $97,782 | 32% |
| Williamsport, PA | $98,580 | 70 | $106,746 | 13% |
| Columbia, MO | $98,550 | 160 | $110,188 | 18% |
| Charleston, SC | $98,530 | 320 | $97,591 | 25% |
| Akron, OH | $98,520 | 430 | $105,516 | 16% |
| Crestview, FL | $98,500 | 140 | $101,514 | 24% |
| Alexandria, LA | $98,490 | 100 | $114,943 | 13% |
| Gainesville, GA | $98,490 | 60 | $101,782 | 21% |
| Charlotte, NC | $98,450 | 1,140 | $101,132 | 21% |
| Allentown, PA | $98,440 | 470 | $98,472 | 22% |
| Jackson, MS | $98,340 | 400 | $110,435 | 18% |
| Worcester, MA | $98,300 | 790 | $95,881 | 26% |
| Harrisburg, PA | $98,240 | 430 | $99,584 | 18% |
| Waterloo, IA | $98,240 | 80 | $112,846 | 12% |
| Palm Bay, FL | $98,090 | 260 | $98,085 | 23% |
| Canton, OH | $98,040 | 290 | $109,657 | 14% |
| Baton Rouge, LA | $98,030 | 430 | $107,986 | 17% |
| Boise, ID | $98,020 | 420 | $99,623 | 24% |
| Deltona, FL | $98,010 | 230 | $98,634 | 22% |
| Roanoke, VA | $98,010 | 180 | $104,691 | 17% |
| Providence, RI | $98,000 | 1,130 | $96,293 | 27% |
| College Station, TX | $97,870 | 120 | $107,607 | 18% |
| Fort Smith, AR | $97,740 | 140 | $113,799 | 13% |
| Poughkeepsie-Newburgh, NY | $97,720 | 410 | $89,306 | 28% |
| Tampa, FL | $97,720 | 1,660 | $96,858 | 24% |
| Auburn, AL | $97,600 | 40 | $110,994 | 20% |
| Brunswick, GA | $97,550 | 30 | $111,221 | 21% |
| Bloomington, IN | $97,480 | 70 | $102,520 | 21% |
| Clarksville, TN | $97,470 | 90 | $107,172 | 17% |
| Decatur, AL | $97,460 | 30 | $111,751 | 13% |
| Pensacola, FL | $97,370 | 260 | $99,645 | 21% |
| Warner Robins, GA | $97,340 | 30 | $103,786 | 19% |
| Panama City, FL | $97,290 | 90 | $99,994 | 21% |
| Gulfport, MS | $97,240 | 200 | $108,037 | 18% |
| Springfield, MO | $97,200 | 270 | $109,725 | 15% |
| Atlantic City, NJ | $97,130 | 110 | $98,253 | 25% |
| Gainesville, FL | $97,130 | 340 | $100,410 | 20% |
| Killeen, TX | $97,040 | 200 | $106,483 | 16% |
| Chambersburg, PA | $97,020 | 70 | $102,513 | 17% |
| Peoria, IL | $96,920 | 190 | $106,236 | 14% |
| Greensboro, NC | $96,820 | 270 | $104,259 | 17% |
| Kingsport, TN | $96,790 | 120 | $111,965 | 16% |
| Laredo, TX | $96,760 | 70 | $111,275 | 14% |
| Lafayette, IN | $96,740 | 110 | $103,543 | 18% |
| Rockford, IL | $96,620 | 130 | $104,846 | 16% |
| Lubbock, TX | $96,560 | 190 | $105,742 | 17% |
| Springfield, MA | $96,450 | 390 | $100,405 | 24% |
| Lincoln, NE | $96,320 | 250 | $105,175 | 16% |
| The Villages, FL | $96,310 | 80 | $112,743 | 21% |
| Logan, UT | $96,200 | 30 | $100,285 | 18% |
| Saginaw, MI | $96,070 | 90 | $105,698 | 13% |
| Parkersburg, WV | $96,040 | 40 | $110,307 | 13% |
| Chattanooga, TN | $95,960 | 290 | $104,916 | 19% |
| Sebring, FL | $95,960 | 60 | $103,774 | 19% |
| Ann Arbor, MI | $95,950 | 280 | $95,113 | 24% |
| Ogden, UT | $95,940 | 210 | $95,606 | 20% |
| Provo, UT | $95,860 | 160 | $97,585 | 22% |
| Savannah, GA | $95,830 | 130 | $100,655 | 22% |
| Lexington, KY | $95,820 | 320 | $103,155 | 20% |
| Pittsfield, MA | $95,820 | 100 | $100,751 | 22% |
| St. Louis, MO | $95,770 | 1,860 | $100,717 | 18% |
| Owensboro, KY | $95,740 | 60 | $108,046 | 15% |
| Madison, WI | $95,670 | 610 | $98,338 | 22% |
| Dover, DE | $95,610 | 80 | $98,054 | 22% |
| Elizabethtown, KY | $95,550 | 40 | $105,496 | 16% |
| Tallahassee, FL | $95,550 | 190 | $101,737 | 19% |
| Reading, PA | $95,470 | 170 | $98,362 | 19% |
| Vineland, NJ | $95,440 | 60 | $99,450 | 21% |
| Oshkosh, WI | $95,420 | 90 | $102,681 | 16% |
| Birmingham, AL | $95,250 | 540 | $103,935 | 18% |
| Kingston, NY | $95,200 | 70 | $94,530 | 25% |
| Glens Falls, NY | $95,110 | 60 | $100,257 | 18% |
| Jefferson City, MO | $95,110 | 50 | $108,110 | 13% |
| Lakeland, FL | $95,070 | 200 | $97,868 | 23% |
| Johnson City, TN | $94,940 | 90 | $107,975 | 19% |
| State College, PA | $94,940 | 50 | $98,117 | 25% |
| Bozeman, MT | $94,880 | 50 | $92,557 | 28% |
| Janesville, WI | $94,750 | 70 | $101,117 | 16% |
| Ocala, FL | $94,630 | 150 | $99,366 | 20% |
| Columbus, GA | $94,580 | 160 | $105,917 | 17% |
| Knoxville, TN | $94,490 | 290 | $102,075 | 22% |
| Idaho Falls, ID | $94,480 | 60 | $100,072 | 18% |
| Grand Rapids, MI | $94,450 | 990 | $98,853 | 21% |
| Terre Haute, IN | $94,410 | 60 | $107,532 | 12% |
| Morgantown, WV | $94,330 | 80 | $101,079 | 17% |
| Springfield, OH | $94,330 | 40 | $104,253 | 15% |
| Paducah, KY | $94,250 | 50 | $109,486 | 15% |
| Dubuque, IA | $94,210 | 30 | $107,881 | 14% |
| Muncie, IN | $94,050 | 50 | $106,696 | 13% |
| Milwaukee, WI | $94,020 | 1,220 | $96,991 | 20% |
| St. Cloud, MN | $93,950 | 110 | $107,210 | 16% |
| Montgomery, AL | $93,910 | 90 | $104,714 | 18% |
| Beckley, WV | $93,820 | 30 | $106,168 | 13% |
| Winston-Salem, NC | $93,780 | 260 | $101,887 | 20% |
| Scranton, PA | $93,750 | 330 | $100,207 | 17% |
| Omaha, NE | $93,650 | 820 | $101,892 | 18% |
| Huntsville, AL | $93,620 | 130 | $100,589 | 18% |
| Minneapolis, MN | $93,600 | 2,590 | $89,294 | 22% |
| Farmington, NM | $93,590 | 50 | $106,708 | 18% |
| Erie, PA | $93,560 | 120 | $102,870 | 14% |
| Cheyenne, WY | $93,430 | 50 | $96,828 | 20% |
| Joplin, MO | $93,410 | 70 | $108,974 | 16% |
| Kenosha, WI | $93,120 | 110 | $92,090 | – |
| Morristown, TN | $93,010 | 40 | $107,695 | 20% |
| South Bend, IN | $92,680 | 140 | $99,808 | 16% |
| St. Joseph, MO | $92,640 | 60 | $107,245 | 13% |
| Eau Claire, WI | $92,610 | 90 | $99,800 | 15% |
| Sioux City, IA | $92,600 | 50 | $107,109 | 17% |
| Weirton, WV | $92,580 | 60 | $103,994 | 10% |
| Valdosta, GA | $92,430 | 40 | $104,712 | 17% |
| Kokomo, IN | $92,320 | 40 | $102,981 | 14% |
| Youngstown, OH | $92,200 | 240 | $105,499 | 14% |
| Racine, WI | $91,670 | 100 | $95,528 | 19% |
| Iowa City, IA | $91,560 | 100 | $100,056 | 23% |
| Charleston, WV | $91,520 | 80 | $103,159 | 16% |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $90,860 | 1,170 | $95,974 | 19% |
| Pocatello, ID | $90,740 | 30 | $102,063 | 14% |
| Sandusky, OH | $90,710 | 40 | $101,601 | 24% |
| Mobile, AL | $90,630 | 110 | $102,874 | 17% |
| Appleton, WI | $90,310 | 140 | $97,718 | 16% |
| Bloomington, IL | $90,060 | 80 | $96,283 | 17% |
| Wausau, WI | $90,030 | 70 | $97,171 | 13% |
| Evansville, IN | $89,850 | 280 | $98,167 | 15% |
| Watertown, NY | $89,720 | 80 | $102,315 | 20% |
| Minot, ND | $89,670 | 30 | $103,036 | 17% |
| Detroit, MI | $89,600 | 2,030 | $89,334 | 20% |
| Dothan, AL | $89,380 | 60 | $106,617 | 16% |
| Green Bay, WI | $88,730 | 250 | $95,320 | 15% |
| Manhattan, KS | $88,610 | 70 | $98,279 | 17% |
| Niles, MI | $88,360 | 50 | $95,659 | 19% |
| Mankato, MN | $87,770 | 50 | $96,498 | 17% |
| Gadsden, AL | $87,620 | 80 | $102,296 | 15% |
| Davenport, IA | $87,390 | 170 | $98,104 | 14% |
| Jackson, TN | $87,360 | 80 | $102,149 | 19% |
| Missoula, MT | $87,300 | 40 | $90,518 | 22% |
| Grand Island, NE | $87,190 | 60 | $100,615 | 18% |
| Altoona, PA | $86,900 | 110 | $97,087 | 14% |
| Goldsboro, NC | $86,870 | 30 | $98,200 | 21% |
| Lansing, MI | $86,590 | 150 | $91,156 | 18% |
| Fort Wayne, IN | $86,580 | 300 | $93,527 | 18% |
| Portland, ME | $86,530 | 530 | $84,952 | 32% |
| Staunton, VA | $86,490 | 80 | $94,910 | 20% |
| Wilmington, NC | $86,420 | 260 | $89,627 | 24% |
| Binghamton, NY | $86,390 | 180 | $93,030 | 22% |
| Syracuse, NY | $86,110 | 470 | $89,940 | 23% |
| Albany, NY | $85,990 | 550 | $86,365 | 24% |
| Utica, NY | $85,920 | 240 | $92,708 | 20% |
| Lafayette, LA | $85,710 | 150 | $98,281 | 19% |
| Flint, MI | $85,550 | 160 | $91,956 | 15% |
| Jacksonville, NC | $85,540 | 40 | $92,892 | 22% |
| Casper, WY | $85,450 | 80 | $91,070 | 20% |
| Billings, MT | $85,340 | 130 | $91,247 | 20% |
| Rochester, MN | $85,000 | 300 | $93,591 | 22% |
| Elkhart, IN | $84,960 | 50 | $94,060 | 17% |
| Lima, OH | $84,890 | 80 | $94,670 | 17% |
| Monroe, MI | $84,780 | 40 | $90,682 | 18% |
| Slidell, LA | $84,690 | 180 | $91,334 | – |
| Sioux Falls, SD | $84,660 | 260 | $93,412 | 18% |
| Florence, AL | $84,630 | 30 | $99,780 | 15% |
| Sheboygan, WI | $84,520 | 90 | $89,902 | 19% |
| Duluth, MN | $84,440 | 150 | $95,124 | 19% |
| Lewiston, ME | $84,310 | 90 | $88,995 | 23% |
| Traverse City, MI | $84,260 | 120 | $90,241 | 26% |
| Bowling Green, KY | $84,250 | 140 | $93,425 | 17% |
| Johnstown, PA | $84,150 | 90 | $97,930 | 13% |
| Raleigh, NC | $84,080 | 680 | $85,659 | 24% |
| Jackson, MI | $83,880 | 60 | $91,393 | 17% |
| Lake Charles, LA | $83,840 | 70 | $97,656 | 19% |
| Asheville, NC | $83,660 | 210 | $86,689 | 24% |
| Manchester, NH | $83,520 | 400 | $79,048 | 31% |
| Elmira, NY | $83,190 | 40 | $88,127 | 16% |
| Durham, NC | $83,160 | 390 | $85,229 | 24% |
| Bismarck, ND | $83,080 | 130 | $91,273 | 19% |
| Houma, LA | $82,720 | 120 | $97,200 | 19% |
| Burlington, NC | $82,640 | 80 | $88,673 | 19% |
| La Crosse, WI | $82,560 | 120 | $89,965 | 20% |
| Hot Springs, AR | $82,410 | 100 | $96,127 | 18% |
| Fargo, ND | $81,870 | 210 | $90,095 | 16% |
| Rochester, NY | $81,750 | 740 | $84,248 | 22% |
| Buffalo, NY | $81,560 | 970 | $85,097 | 21% |
| Kalamazoo, MI | $81,520 | 120 | $85,955 | 19% |
| Pinehurst, NC | $81,450 | 50 | $92,205 | 27% |
| Fayetteville, NC | $81,240 | 200 | $88,325 | 21% |
| Hammond, LA | $81,190 | 70 | $96,128 | 19% |
| Bay City, MI | $80,880 | 80 | $87,989 | 15% |
| Grand Forks, ND | $80,830 | 60 | $93,269 | 17% |
| Bangor, ME | $80,780 | 150 | $83,703 | 22% |
| Great Falls, MT | $80,390 | 40 | $83,009 | 21% |
| Champaign, IL | $80,040 | 120 | $86,339 | 21% |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $79,690 | 110 | $89,577 | 18% |
| Kankakee, IL | $79,620 | 40 | $82,599 | 20% |
| Hattiesburg, MS | $79,590 | 80 | $90,822 | 20% |
| Fond du Lac, WI | $79,390 | 40 | $86,630 | 17% |
| Des Moines, IA | $78,770 | 340 | $85,899 | 19% |
| Mansfield, OH | $78,420 | 40 | $88,239 | 14% |
| Muskegon, MI | $77,900 | 100 | $84,199 | 20% |
| Midland, MI | $74,670 | 60 | $81,233 | 22% |
| Ames, IA | $73,810 | 40 | $83,091 | 19% |
What the median occupational therapist salary pays per paycheck
| Period | Before taxes |
|---|---|
| Year | $100,330 |
| Month | $8,361 |
| Every two weeks | $3,859 |
| Week | $1,929 |
| Hour | $48.24 |
Gross pay, 52 weeks a year, 2,080 hours. Hourly to salary calculator.
Becoming an occupational therapist: education and job outlook
| Typical entry education | Master's degree |
|---|---|
| Work experience needed | None |
| On-the-job training | None |
| Projected change in jobs, 2025–35 | +14.8% (all jobs: +3.5%) |
| Openings a year (average) | 10,000 |
| Self-employed | 2.5% |
official BLS Employment Projections, 2025–35. Openings include workers who retire or change jobs. What the work involves: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Similar jobs
| Job | Median a year | Typical education |
|---|---|---|
| Ultrasound tech | $96,590 | Associate's degree |
| Vet tech | $47,380 | Associate's degree |
| Speech-language pathologist | $97,870 | Master's degree |
| Physician assistant | $135,880 | Master's degree |
| Nurse practitioner | $132,300 | Master's degree |
| Medical lab tech | $62,930 | Bachelor's degree |
| MRI tech | $95,480 | Associate's degree |
| CRNA | $236,590 | Master's degree |
Questions about occupational therapist pay
How much does an occupational therapist make an hour?
The median is $48.24 an hour. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $34.47 and the top 10% over $63.44.
How much does an occupational therapist make a month?
About $8,361 a month before taxes at the median salary of $100,330, or $3,859 every two weeks.
What state pays occupational therapists the most?
California, with a median of $124,510. Oregon ($112,310), Nevada ($110,520), the District of Columbia ($109,170) and Washington ($107,670) follow.
Where do occupational therapists make the most after cost of living?
Arkansas: its median of $106,360 is worth $122,341 at typical US prices. Oklahoma, California and Louisiana come next.
How much do entry-level occupational therapists make?
BLS does not report pay by experience. The lowest-paid 10% of occupational therapists earn under $71,690 a year, and the lowest-paid quarter under $82,510, which is a reasonable guide to starting pay.
What education do you need to become an occupational therapist?
BLS lists the typical entry-level education as a master's degree. Work experience in a related job: none. On-the-job training: none.
Sources and limits
- Pay and employment: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation 29-1122 (Occupational Therapists). Downloaded 2026-10-24.
- OEWS counts wage and salary workers at employers, including tips and commissions but not overtime pay, bonuses that are not tied to production, or benefits. It leaves out the self-employed. BLS does not publish figures above $239,200 a year or for states and metro areas with too few workers.
- Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024 (US = 100). Rents: Zillow Observed Rent Index, September 2026; Data Provided by Zillow Group.
- Outlook and education: BLS Employment Projections, 2025–35.
- Pay is not broken down by experience, employer or specialty (for example, ER or pediatric nursing); BLS does not publish those splits.