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
$100,330
$8,361/mo
Entry Level
$79,600
starting pay
Senior Level
$126,900
experienced
Job Growth
+14%
10-yr outlook
BLS OEWS May 2025 · official national figures
BLS reports Occupational Therapists (SOC 29-1122) at a national median of $100,330 per year (mean $101,280), or $48.24 per hour, with 162,450 people employed nationwide. The median above is this BLS figure; the entry, senior and top tiers are Salario estimates calibrated to it. Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 release.
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)
162K
5-Year Growth
+13%
Category
Healthcare
Hourly Rate
$48.24/hr
Monthly Pay
$8,361
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
$111,000
$9,250/month · $4,269/biweekly · $53.37/hr
Occupational Therapist Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Occupational Therapist field.
Entry-level Occupational Therapists earn around $79,600, while the top 10% earn $134,950 or more.
Top Paying States for Occupational Therapists
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $118,000 | +$17,670 |
| New York | $115,000 | +$14,670 |
| Illinois | $104,000 | +$3,670 |
| Pennsylvania | $100,000 | $-330 |
| Texas | $98,000 | $-2,330 |
Top Paying Cities for Occupational Therapists
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $118,000 | +$17,670 |
| Los Angeles | $112,000 | +$11,670 |
| Chicago | $105,000 | +$4,670 |
| Philadelphia | $102,000 | +$1,670 |
| Houston | $99,000 | $-1,330 |
City figures are Salario estimates that scale the national median by a city cost-of-labor multiplier; BLS does not publish a metro-level series for this title.
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Occupational Therapist Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Occupational Therapist from entry level to expert.
$79,600
0-2 years
$103,000
3-7 years
$126,900
8-14 years
$143,000
15+ years
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Occupational Therapist Salary FAQ
How much does a Occupational Therapist make in 2026?
The median salary for a Occupational Therapist in the United States is $100,330 per year, the BLS OEWS May 2025 national median for Occupational Therapists (SOC 29-1122); the mean is $101,280. Salario's calibrated tiers put entry-level positions around $79,600, senior professionals around $126,900, and top earners at $143,000 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a Occupational Therapist?
A Occupational Therapist typically requires a Master's Degree with 0-2 years of experience. Key skills include Activity Analysis, Adaptive Equipment, Cognitive Rehabilitation. Relevant certifications such as NBCOT Certification or State Licensure can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Occupational Therapists?
The job market for Occupational Therapists is projected to grow by 14% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 162K Occupational Therapist positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 13%, reflecting strong demand for this role.
Which states pay Occupational Therapists the most?
The highest-paying states for Occupational Therapists include California, New York, Texas. In California, the median salary is approximately $118,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Occupational Therapist salary?
To increase your Occupational Therapist salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like Activity Analysis and Adaptive Equipment. Pursue certifications such as NBCOT Certification. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like New York. With 0-2 years of experience, you can progress from $79,600 to $126,900 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources: Occupational Therapist Salary
How we calculate Occupational Therapist salary data: The national median is the official BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median wage for Occupational Therapists (SOC 29-1122), retrieved from the BLS Public Data API. The entry, senior and top tiers are a Salario model: the shape of the distribution is Salario's, rescaled so that its median equals the BLS median. State and most city figures are Salario estimates that apply cost-of-labor multipliers to that median.
- National median salary: $100,330, BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median for Occupational Therapists; BLS mean $101,280; BLS hourly median $48.24.
- Entry-level ($79,600) and senior-level ($126,900) are Salario tiers calibrated to the BLS median; they are not BLS percentiles. BLS publishes P10/P25/P75/P90 wages for this occupation in its OEWS tables.
- Job outlook: +14% projected growth is Salario's outlook figure; compare with the BLS Employment Projections program. BLS OEWS May 2025 counts 162,450 Occupational Therapists jobs nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 13% is a Salario estimate of past 5-year wage growth for the Healthcare sector, informed by the BLS Employment Cost Index.
- Education requirement: Master's Degree, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State and city estimates apply Salario cost-of-labor multipliers to the national median of $100,330; city rows marked "BLS metro" are real OEWS metropolitan-area medians instead.
Authoritative US data sources for Occupational Therapist compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Occupational Therapist job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections, 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index, quarterly compensation trend data for Healthcare
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U), regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary, 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: Occupational Therapist salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (Activity Analysis, Adaptive Equipment, Cognitive Rehabilitation), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Harlan Voss · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS figures: OEWS May 2025 release (published May 2026), retrieved from the BLS API on September 17, 2026
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