How Much Does an Occupational Therapist make?

Occupational Therapist made a median salary around $88,654 in December, 2024. The best-paid 25 percent made $98,324 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $80,407. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
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Best-Paying Cities for Occupational Therapist

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Occupational Therapist profession are Marion , West Memphis , Proctor , Clarkedale , Edmondson .
Marion, AR $95,153
West Memphis, AR $95,153
Proctor, AR $94,950
Clarkedale, AR $94,848
Edmondson, AR $94,848

Best-Paying States for Occupational Therapist

The states and districts that pay Occupational Therapist the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $113,026) , California (around $112,010) , New Jersey (around $111,299) , Alaska (around $110,588) , and Massachusetts (around $110,487) .
District of Columbia $113,026
California $112,010
New Jersey $111,299
Alaska $110,588
Massachusetts $110,487

What is the Career Path of Occupational Therapist?

A career path is a sequence of jobs that leads to your short- and long-term career goals. Some follow a linear career path within one field, while others change fields periodically to achieve career or personal goals.

The first career path typically progresses to Occupational Therapy Manager.

Frequently Asked Questions for Occupational Therapist

Q: What is the salary range of Occupational Therapist in Fort Smith, AR?
A: In 2024 , the lowest-paid Occupational Therapist in Fort Smith, AR earned an average annual salary of $80,407 , while the highest-paid made $98,324.
Q: What is the salary for an Occupational Therapist in California?
A: Occupational Therapist employed in California earned an average salary of $112,010 in 2024.

Average Occupational Therapist Pay vs. Other Jobs

Occupational Therapist earned an average salary of $88,654 in 2024. Other jobs related to Occupational Therapist earned the following average salary in December, 2024. Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant made $55,864 , Occupational Therapist - Home Care made $89,910 , Certified Occupational Therapist and Occupational Therapist (OT) made $88,000 and $87,950 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of Occupational Therapist

Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant assists an Occupational Therapist with rehabilitative activities to help patients develop, regain, or maintain their ability to perform daily activities. Prepares rehab equipment used during treatment and educates the patient on the use of adaptive equipment. Being a Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant records and documents session notes to maintain accurate patient records and summarize progress. Provides routine rehabilitative services and common assessments to patients to support established treatment plans. Additionally, Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant requires an associate degree. Requires Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA). Typically reports to an occupational therapist. Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant's years of experience requirement may be unspecified. Certification and/or licensing in the position's specialty is the main requirement.
Occupational Therapist - Home Care - Average Salary $89,910
Occupational Therapist - Home Care plans and conducts individualized occupational therapy programs in a homecare environment to help patients develop, regain, or maintain their ability to perform daily activities. Conducts baseline tests, assessments, and interviews to gather information on daily environment and barriers, evaluate abilities, and understand needs and goals. Being an Occupational Therapist - Home Care maintains accurate patient records including treatment plans, progress, and outcomes and prepares and delivers reports for other healthcare professionals or insurance providers. Recommends adaptive equipment for participating in activities and teaches patients skills and techniques for use. Additionally, Occupational Therapist - Home Care may require a master's degree. Requires Occupational Therapist License and Registration (OTR/L). Typically reports to a manager. Occupational Therapist - Home Care's years of experience requirement may be unspecified. Certification and/or licensing in the position's specialty is the main requirement.
Certified Occupational Therapist - Average Salary $88,000
The Certified Occupational Therapist teaches patients skills/techniques and how to use adaptive equipment for participating in activities. Plans and conducts individualized occupational therapy programs to help patients develop, regain, or maintain their ability to perform daily activities. Being a Certified Occupational Therapist may require a master's degree. Studies, evaluates, and records patients' activities and progress. In addition, Certified Occupational Therapist typically reports to a manager. Typically requires Occupational Therapist certification. Certified Occupational Therapist's years of experience requirement may be unspecified. Certification and/or licensing in the position's specialty is the main requirement.
Occupational Therapist (OT) - Average Salary $87,950
The Occupational Therapist (OT) teaches patients skills/techniques and how to use adaptive equipment for participating in activities. Plans and conducts individualized occupational therapy programs to help patients develop, regain, or maintain their ability to perform daily activities. Being an Occupational Therapist (OT) may require a master's degree. Studies, evaluates, and records patients' activities and progress. In addition, Occupational Therapist (OT) typically reports to a manager. Typically requires Occupational Therapist certification. Occupational Therapist (OT)'s years of experience requirement may be unspecified. Certification and/or licensing in the position's specialty is the main requirement.
Registered Occupational Therapist - Average Salary $87,990
The Registered Occupational Therapist teaches patients skills/techniques and how to use adaptive equipment for participating in activities. Plans and conducts individualized occupational therapy programs to help patients develop, regain, or maintain their ability to perform daily activities. Being a Registered Occupational Therapist may require a master's degree. Studies, evaluates, and records patients' activities and progress. In addition, Registered Occupational Therapist typically reports to a manager. Typically requires Occupational Therapist certification. Registered Occupational Therapist's years of experience requirement may be unspecified. Certification and/or licensing in the position's specialty is the main requirement.