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Registered Occupational Therapist Salary in the United States

How much does a Registered Occupational Therapist make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Registered Occupational Therapist in the United States is $107,890 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $52.

However, a Registered Occupational Therapist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $125,084
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $99,490 to $116,890
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $91,842
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View as table View as graph 25% $99,490 10% $91,842 90% $125,084 75% $116,890 $107,890 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Registered Occupational Therapist Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $116,890 $9,741 $2,248 $56
Average $107,890 $8,991 $2,075 $52
25th Percentile $99,490 $8,291 $1,913 $48
Check out Registered Occupational Therapist Job Openings in the United States
Occupational Therapist OTR

Progressive Occupational Therapist services - Columbus, OH

Occupational Therapist

Reliant Rehabilitation - Columbus, OH

Occupational Therapist

AcuteCare Health System - Columbus, OH

Occupational Therapist

Total Education Solutions - Columbus, OH

Search More Registered Occupational Therapist Jobs in the United States

Key Factors That Influence Registered Occupational Therapist Salaries

A Registered 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, education, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Registered Occupational Therapist Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Registered 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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $105,132
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $105,383
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $108,562
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $112,323
  • Expert (over 8 years): $112,591
Levels Salary
Entry Level Registered Occupational Therapist$105,132
Intermediate Level Registered Occupational Therapist$105,383
Senior Level Registered Occupational Therapist$108,562
Specialist Level Registered Occupational Therapist$112,323
Expert Level Registered Occupational Therapist$112,591
$105,132 0 yr
$105,383 < 2 yrs
$108,562 2-4 yrs
$112,323 5-8 yrs
$112,591 > 8 yrs
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Registered Occupational Therapists

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $135,990
  • San Francisco: $134,590
  • Oakland: $131,690

What Skills Can Increase a Registered Occupational Therapist's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Commitment (Mentioned in 9.81% Job Postings): An agreement or pledge to do something in the future a commitment to improve conditions at the prison especially : an engagement to assume a financial obligation at a future date.
  • Medical Records Audit (Mentioned in 2.93% Job Postings): a medical records audit is a chart review which is used to identify what is being done correctly and what is in need of improvement.
  • Clinical Supervision (Mentioned in 2.33% Job Postings): Supervision is used in counselling, psychotherapy, and other mental health disciplines as well as many other professions engaged in working with people. Supervision may be applied as well to practitioners in somatic disciplines for their preparatory work for patients as well as collateral with patients. Supervision is a replacement instead of formal retrospective inspection, delivering evidence about the skills of the supervised practitioners. It consists of the practitioner meeting regularly with another professional, not necessarily more senior, but normally with training in the skills of supervision, to discuss casework and other professional issues in a structured way. This is often known as clinical or counselling supervision (consultation differs in being optional advice from someone without a supervisor's formal authority). The purpose is to assist the practitioner to learn from his or her experience and progress in expertise, as well as to ensure good service to the client or patient. Learning shall be applied to planning work as well as to diagnostic work and therapeutic work.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Commitment 9.81%
Medical Records Audit 2.93%
Clinical Supervision 2.33%
What skills can make your compensation higher?
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Registered Occupational Therapist's salary.
  • Medical Records Audit: Can increase your salary by up to 7%.
  • Organizational Skills: Can increase your salary by up to 4%.
  • Commitment: Can increase your salary by up to 2%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Medical Records Audit
$115,442
7%
Organizational Skills
$112,206
4%
Commitment
$110,048
2%
Dedication
$110,048
2%
Clinical Leadership
$110,048
2%
Written Communication
$110,048
2%
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Registered Occupational Therapist Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Registered Occupational Therapist salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $115,037. While startup companies pay approximate $97,867.

Registered Occupational Therapist Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup1~50$97,867
Growth Stage51~500$103,362
Established501~5000$111,231
Enterprise5000+$115,037

Registered Occupational Therapist Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Registered Occupational Therapist 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, Registered Occupational Therapist positions in Business Services typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Registered Occupational Therapist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a Registered Occupational Therapist

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Healthcare$129,468$62.020%

How Education impacts a Registered Occupational Therapist's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Registered Occupational Therapists 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 a Registered Occupational Therapist with a Bachelor's Degree is between $96,002 and $101,402).

Registered Occupational Therapist Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Registered Occupational Therapist
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%
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Registered Occupational Therapist Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Registered 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 August 01, 2026

Registered Occupational Therapist Salary Growth & Career Path

For a Registered 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 $127,490 - a projected growth of 18% over your current level.

Salary Trends for Registered Occupational Therapist

Salaries for a Registered Occupational Therapist 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 Registered Occupational Therapist salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Registered Occupational Therapist Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$112,260
2024
$113,619
2025
$111,827
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $112,260
2024 $113,619
2025 $111,827
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Registered Occupational Therapist

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Registered Occupational Therapist

Here are companies hiring for Registered Occupational Therapist and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next Registered Occupational Therapist Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Registered Occupational Therapist job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

United States
  • Ohio State University

    Columbus, OH

    Ohio State University | Columbus, OH

    Occupational Therapist. The Wexner Medical Center at The Ohio State University and OSU Harding Hospital are committed to enhancing the quality of care that... more

    10 Days Ago

  • Ohio Living Home Health &amp; Hospice - Greater Toledo

    Columbus, OH

    Ohio Living Home Health &amp; Hospice - Greater Toledo | Columbus, OH

    Occupational Therapist. It's fun to work in a company where people truly believe in what they're doing. Our intention is to have employees who are passiona... more

    10 Days Ago

  • OhioHealth

    Columbus, OH

    OhioHealth | Columbus, OH

    Occupational Therapist. We are more than a health system. We are a belief system. We believe wellness and sickness are both part of a lifelong partnership,... more

    7 Days Ago

  • The Stepping Stones Group-Hosted

    Columbus, OH

    The Stepping Stones Group-Hosted | Columbus, OH

    Occupational Therapist (OT). 38.00 - 50.00 Columbus, Ohio, USA Therapy Services more

    7 Days Ago

  • AlpineCare

    Columbus, OH

    AlpineCare | Columbus, OH

    Occupational Therapist - Per Visit. Alpine Care Home Health is dedicated to providing expert, compassionate care in the home setting. Our team of skilled c... more

    8 Days Ago

  • Ohio State University

    Columbus, OH

    Ohio State University | Columbus, OH

    Occupational Therapist - Contingent/IRP. Occupational therapist will be responsible for providing patient care to the newborn populations for both the Well... more

    8 Days Ago

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FAQ about Registered Occupational Therapist

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Registered Occupational Therapist?

The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Registered Occupational Therapist roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

2. Do OTs or RNS make more money?

Occupational Therapists (OTs) generally earn more than Registered Nurses (RNs). The average salary for OTs ranges from $91,490 to $111,990, with a mid-salary of $100,990. In contrast, the average RN salary is around $87,449, with a median of $85,788. This indicates that OTs typically have higher earning potential compared to RNs.

3. Is OT in high demand?

Yes, occupational therapy is in high demand, especially in areas like California and Texas. While securing a position in rural locations may be more challenging, opportunities are still available. Registered Occupational Therapists can expect salaries ranging from $91,490 to $111,990, with a median salary of $100,990, reflecting the profession's growing need.

4. Is an OT salary worth it?

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 $111,990 annually. This competitive pay reflects the growing demand for OTs, making it a worthwhile profession for those seeking a stable and fulfilling career.

5. How to increase salary as an OT?

To increase your salary as a Registered Occupational Therapist, focus on obtaining specialized certifications and gaining experience. With a minimum salary of $91,490, a mid-range salary of $100,990, and a maximum of $111,990, advancing your skills in specialized areas and taking on supervisory roles can significantly enhance your earning potential.

6. Which country pays occupational therapists the most?

The USA offers competitive salaries for occupational therapists, with a range from $91,490 to $111,990 annually. This positions it among the highest-paying countries for this profession. Other notable countries include Germany, Canada, the UK, France, and Australia, but the USA stands out with its higher salary range.

7. Is OT in high demand?

Yes, occupational therapy is in high demand, especially in areas like California and Texas. While securing a position in rural locations may be more challenging, opportunities are still available. Registered Occupational Therapists can expect salaries ranging from $91,490 to $111,990, with a median salary of $100,990, reflecting the profession's growing need.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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