Occupational Therapist Salary in 2026
How Much Do Occupational Therapists Make?
Occupational Therapists earn a median annual salary of $98,340 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $67,090 at the 10th percentile to $129,830 at the 90th percentile — a range of $62,740. The highest-paying state is California at $119,470.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $67,090 |
| 25th percentile | $80,490 |
| Median (50th) | $98,340 |
| 75th percentile | $110,460 |
| 90th percentile | $129,830 |
Occupational Therapist Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Californiatop | $119,470 |
| Oregon | $106,840 |
| Nevada | $104,770 |
| Colorado | $103,970 |
| Oklahoma | $103,510 |
| New Jersey | $103,340 |
| Washington | $102,360 |
| Arizona | $102,220 |
| Connecticut | $102,080 |
| Maryland | $101,880 |
| Texas | $101,760 |
| Virginia | $100,540 |
| Alaska | $100,070 |
| Arkansas | $99,350 |
| District of Columbia | $99,290 |
| New Mexico | $99,220 |
| Rhode Island | $99,150 |
| Florida | $99,070 |
| Illinois | $98,900 |
| Georgia | $98,690 |
| Massachusetts | $98,420 |
| South Carolina | $97,370 |
| Kansas | $97,000 |
| Delaware | $96,080 |
| Tennessee | $96,030 |
| Ohio | $95,880 |
| Alabama | $95,410 |
| New York | $95,370 |
| North Carolina | $94,580 |
| Hawaii | $94,550 |
| Pennsylvania | $94,120 |
| Louisiana | $94,030 |
| Missouri | $93,600 |
| Indiana | $93,500 |
| Utah | $93,310 |
| West Virginia | $93,260 |
| Mississippi | $92,330 |
| Kentucky | $91,250 |
| Wyoming | $89,370 |
| Iowa | $88,780 |
| Idaho | $88,470 |
| Nebraska | $87,010 |
| Wisconsin | $86,660 |
| Vermont | $86,420 |
| Minnesota | $85,040 |
| New Hampshire | $84,980 |
| Michigan | $84,480 |
| Montana | $84,440 |
| Maine | $82,200 |
| South Dakota | $81,430 |
| North Dakota | $79,910 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapist Salary by Experience
Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.
| Experience level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$67,090 – $80,490 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$98,340 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$110,460 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $129,830+ |
How to Earn More as an Occupational Therapist
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Occupational Therapists in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA earn $134,720 — $36,380 above the national median. An advanced credential — such as a graduate degree or specialized certification — is consistently associated with higher earnings in this field. Reaching the 75th percentile ($110,460) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
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Occupational Therapist Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapistthis career | $98,340 |
| Mental Health Counselor | N/A |
| Rehabilitation Counselor | $46,110 |
| Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Worker | $60,060 |
| Low Vision Therapists, Orientation and Mobility Specialists, and Vision Rehabilitation Therapist | $98,340 |
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SOC: 29-1122.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.