Occupational therapist earnings by seniority

Approximate values based on highest and lowest earning segments.

Occupational therapist salary by state

State Name Average Salary
Alaska $87,440
Alabama $83,320
Arkansas $78,730
Arizona $88,606
California $97,260
Colorado $86,740
Connecticut $89,810
District of Columbia $91,950
Delaware $84,890
Florida $84,870
Georgia $82,880
Hawaii $85,940
Iowa $78,510
Idaho $82,350
Illinois $80,365
Indiana $78,252
Kansas $79,530
Kentucky $78,720
Louisiana $84,650
Massachusetts $87,940
Maryland $90,790
Maine $68,920
Michigan $74,750
Minnesota $73,760
Missouri $76,560
Mississippi $80,520
Montana $72,820
North Carolina $84,700
North Dakota $67,020
Nebraska $76,170
New Hampshire $80,360
New Jersey $95,090
New Mexico $79,590
Nevada $94,300
New York $83,530
Ohio $84,320
Oklahoma $83,590
Oregon $90,570
Pennsylvania $76,802
Puerto Rico $35,170
Rhode Island $79,730
South Carolina $79,460
South Dakota $68,200
Tennessee $84,600
Texas $87,780
Utah $84,680
Virginia $92,110
Vermont $77,620
Washington $80,300
Wisconsin $74,180
West Virginia $79,690
Wyoming $79,290

How much does an Occupational Therapist earn?

Demand for occupational therapy services is related to the ability of patients to pay, either directly or through health insurance. The number of individuals who have access to occupational therapy services may increase because of federal health insurance reform. Both rehabilitation and habilitation services are listed among the essential health benefits that insurers will need to cover once reforms are implemented.

In May 2012, the median annual wages for occupational therapists in the top five industries in which these therapists worked were as follows:

Nursing care facilities (skilled nursing facilities) - $83,430
Home health care services - $82,310
Offices of physical, occupational and speech therapists, and audiologists - $77,430
Hospitals; state, local, and private - $75,140
Elementary and secondary schools; state, local, and private - $66,610

The median annual salary for occupational therapists was $78,810 in 2014, according to the BLS. The best-paid 10 percent in the profession made $112,950, while the bottom 10 percent made $65,020. Occupational therapists that work for scientific research and development services are generally compensated very well, as are the therapists that work in the metropolitan areas of Las Vegas; Beaumont, Texas; and Daytona Beach, Florida.

How do occupational therapist salaries compare to similar careers?

Occupational therapists earn 12% less than similar careers in Wyoming. On average, they make less than anesthesiologist assistants but more than informatics nurse specialists.

Career Median Salary
Anesthesiologist assistant salary $118K
Physician assistant salary $118K
Nurse practitioner salary $114K
Health services manager salary $92K
Physical therapist salary $88K
Occupational therapist salary $79K
Speech language pathologist salary $75K
Clinical psychologist salary $74K
Counseling psychologist salary $74K
Informatics nurse specialist salary $75K

Source: CareerExplorer (Aggregated)