Occupational Therapist Salary in 2026
Occupational therapists help patients develop or recover daily living and work skills after injury, illness, or disability. They design therapeutic activities and recommend adaptive equipment.
Median Salary
$87,000
$7,250/mo
Entry Level
$69,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$110,000
experienced
Job Growth
+14%
10-yr outlook
Occupational Therapist Overview
Occupational therapists help patients develop or recover daily living and work skills after injury, illness, or disability. They design therapeutic activities and recommend adaptive equipment.
Education
Master's Degree
Experience
0-2 years
Industry
Healthcare
Total Jobs (US)
140K
5-Year Growth
+13%
Category
Healthcare
Hourly Rate
$41.83/hr
Monthly Pay
$7,250
Occupational Therapist Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Occupational Therapist salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Occupational Therapist Salary
$96,000
$8,000/month · $3,692/biweekly · $46.15/hr
Occupational Therapist Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Occupational Therapist field.
Entry-level Occupational Therapists earn around $69,000, while the top 10% earn $117,000 or more.
Top Paying States for Occupational Therapists
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $103,000 | +$16,000 |
| New York | $100,000 | +$13,000 |
| Illinois | $90,000 | +$3,000 |
| Pennsylvania | $87,000 | $0 |
| Texas | $85,000 | $-2,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Occupational Therapists
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $103,000 | +$16,000 |
| Los Angeles | $97,000 | +$10,000 |
| Chicago | $91,000 | +$4,000 |
| Philadelphia | $89,000 | +$2,000 |
| Houston | $86,000 | $-1,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Occupational Therapist Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Occupational Therapist from entry level to expert.
$69,000
0-2 years
$90,000
3-7 years
$110,000
8-14 years
$124,000
15+ years
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Occupational Therapist Salary FAQ
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