As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Occupational Therapist (OT) in the United States is $107,820 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $52.
However, an Occupational Therapist (OT)'s salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Occupational Therapist (OT)'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, education, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Occupational Therapist (OT)'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 Occupational Therapist (OT) | $105,072 |
| Intermediate Level Occupational Therapist (OT) | $105,321 |
| Senior Level Occupational Therapist (OT) | $108,496 |
| Specialist Level Occupational Therapist (OT) | $112,282 |
| Expert Level Occupational Therapist (OT) | $112,553 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Occupational Therapist (OT)s. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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
|
$115,367 |
7%
|
|
Organizational Skills
|
$112,133 |
4%
|
|
Commitment
|
$109,976 |
2%
|
|
Dedication
|
$109,976 |
2%
|
|
Clinical Leadership
|
$109,976 |
2%
|
|
Written Communication
|
$109,976 |
2%
|
Occupational Therapist (OT) salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $114,963. While startup companies pay approximate $97,804.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $97,804 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $103,295 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $111,159 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $114,963 |
For Occupational Therapist (OT) roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Occupational Therapist (OT) positions in Business Services typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Occupational Therapist (OT) as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $129,384 | $62.0 | 20% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Occupational Therapist (OT)s enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Occupational Therapist (OT) with a Bachelor's Degree is between $95,946 and $101,342).
Occupational Therapist (OT) Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.1% |
| High School | 0.6% |
| Associates | 4.2% |
| Bachelors | 25.5% |
| Masters | 67.1% |
| Doctorate | 2.5% |
Understanding how an Occupational Therapist (OT)'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 August 01, 2026For an Occupational Therapist (OT), 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 $127,490 - a projected growth of 18% over your current level.
Salaries for an Occupational Therapist (OT) can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $112,260 in 2023 to around $111,827 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Occupational Therapist (OT) salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $112,260 |
| 2024 | $113,619 |
| 2025 | $111,827 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Occupational Therapist (OT) roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
Occupational Therapists (OTs) can earn varying salaries based on their work settings. The highest-paying industries include home healthcare services, with an average salary of around $104,790, followed by skilled nursing facilities at $101,520. Overall, OTs have a salary range from $91,490 to $111,940, with a mid-salary of $100,990.
To make $200k as an Occupational Therapist, consider working in skilled nursing facilities (SNF) or home health, which typically offer higher pay. Seek positions with bonuses, overtime, and weekend shifts. Travel therapy can also boost earnings. Relocating to rural areas may provide better opportunities, and specializing in a niche can enhance your income potential.
A career in occupational therapy offers a rewarding salary, with a minimum of $91,490, a mid-range of $100,990, and a maximum of $111,940. This competitive pay reflects the growing demand for OTs, making it a worthwhile profession for those seeking a stable and fulfilling career.
The hardest classes in OT school often include intense subjects such as anatomy, physiology, and neuroscience, which typically involve lab work. Additionally, creativity and activity analysis classes, focused on observation, can also present challenges. Graduates can expect to earn between $91,490 and $111,940, with a median salary of $100,990.
OTA ranks seventh among the best healthcare support jobs in the industry. Those currently working as OTAs report low levels of work-related stress despite the job's potential for physical and emotional tolls. With salaries ranging from $91,490 to $111,940, the financial stability may contribute to a more manageable work environment.
Occupational Therapists (OTs) generally earn more than Registered Nurses (RNs). The average OT salary ranges from $91,490 to $111,940, with a mid-salary of $100,990. In contrast, the average RN salary is about $87,449, with a median of $85,788. States like Nevada offer even higher OT salaries, averaging $109,010.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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