As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Certified Occupational Therapist in Murphy, NC is $98,100 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $47.
However, a Certified Occupational Therapist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Certified Occupational Therapist's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, skills and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Certified Occupational Therapist's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Certified Occupational Therapist | $95,611 |
| Intermediate Level Certified Occupational Therapist | $95,842 |
| Senior Level Certified Occupational Therapist | $98,763 |
| Specialist Level Certified Occupational Therapist | $102,188 |
| Expert Level Certified Occupational Therapist | $102,433 |
What Am I Worth?
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 9.81% |
| Medical Records Audit | 2.93% |
| Clinical Supervision | 2.33% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Medical Records Audit
|
$104,967 |
7%
|
|
Organizational Skills
|
$102,024 |
4%
|
|
Commitment
|
$100,062 |
2%
|
|
Dedication
|
$100,062 |
2%
|
|
Clinical Leadership
|
$100,062 |
2%
|
|
Written Communication
|
$100,062 |
2%
|
Understanding how a Certified Occupational Therapist's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on January 01, 2026For a Certified Occupational Therapist, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Occupational Therapy Department Leader role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $115,920 - a projected growth of 18% over your current level.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Certified Occupational Therapist job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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