As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a Physical Occupational Therapist in the United States is $108,728 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $52.
However, a Physical Occupational Therapist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Physical 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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Physical 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 Physical Occupational Therapist | $106,145 |
| Intermediate Level Physical Occupational Therapist | $106,330 |
| Senior Level Physical Occupational Therapist | $108,728 |
| Specialist Level Physical Occupational Therapist | $111,835 |
| Expert Level Physical Occupational Therapist | $112,057 |
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 Physical Occupational Therapists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 6.48% |
| CPR | 2.41% |
| HIPAA | 1.82% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Clinical Leadership
|
$130,474 |
20%
|
|
Planning
|
$119,601 |
10%
|
|
Critical Thinking
|
$118,514 |
9%
|
|
Direct Patient Care
|
$118,514 |
9%
|
|
Environmental Safety
|
$117,426 |
8%
|
|
Assisted Living
|
$117,426 |
8%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Physical Occupational Therapists enter the field with a Master's Degree or MBA 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 Physical Occupational Therapist with a Master's Degree or MBA is between $106,731 and $111,315).
Physical Occupational Therapist Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.2% |
| High School | 0.7% |
| Associates | 7.5% |
| Bachelors | 17.6% |
| Masters | 32.3% |
| Doctorate | 41.6% |
Understanding how a Physical 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 May 01, 2026Salaries for a Physical Occupational Therapist can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $99,034 in 2023 to around $95,379 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Physical Occupational Therapist salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $99,034 |
| 2024 | $97,849 |
| 2025 | $95,379 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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