Table of Contents
Occupational Therapist Job DescriptionTop 5 Highest and Lowest Paying States for Occupational Therapist Jobs in the USTop 5 Highest Paying States for Occupational Therapists:Top 5 Lowest Paying States for Occupational Therapists:Historical Data (Salary Outlook) For Salary MedianMedian salary, Entry-level salary, Average-salaryAverage Occupational Therapist Salary by State (for non-traveling OT)Average Occupational Therapist Job Salary by State (for traveling OT)What is the average incentive bonus for an occupational therapist Job?Employed vs. self-employed occupation therapist JobHow to do an effective occupational therapist job searchMost common benefits for an Occupational TherapistFrequently Asked QuestionsOccupational Therapist Job Description
An occupational therapist (OT) helps those of all ages develop, recover, or maintain the skills needed for daily living and working. An OT works with patients who have physical, mental, or developmental conditions that impact their ability to perform everyday tasks. This includes activities such as dressing, cooking, driving, or working. OTs assess each patient’s situation by conducting evaluations, reviewing medical histories, and observing them performing various activities. Using the information gained, they create personalized intervention plans designed to improve the patient’s ability to perform daily tasks, enhance their quality of life, and increase their independence.
There is a growing demand for occupational therapists (OTs) in the United States due to an aging population and an increase in the prevalence of chronic conditions. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the demand for OTs is projected to grow 14 percent from 2021 to 2031. Advances in medical technology and treatment mean more patients survive severe illnesses and injuries which increases the need for long-term rehabilitation.
Top 5 Highest and Lowest Paying States for Occupational Therapist Jobs in the US
Specific salary data varies by state and over time. The salary for an OT is influenced by the demand for practitioners, cost of living, and regional economic conditions. According to Zippia, the highest and lowest-paying states for OTs are as follows:
Top 5 Highest Paying States for Occupational Therapists:
1. California
2. Washington
3. Hawaii
4. Alaska
5. Nevada
Top 5 Lowest Paying States for Occupational Therapists:
1. Michigan
2. Alabama
3. Florida
4. Kentucky
5. Delaware
The state data varies between resources.
Historical Data (Salary Outlook) For Salary Median
** Chart from https://www.zippia.com/salaries/occupational-therapist/#salary-history-line-chartMedian salary, Entry-level salary, Average-salary
The median salary for an OT in the U.S. is influenced by their experience, location, and place of employment. An entry-level salary for those starting their career is around $60,000 to $70,000. The average salary of an OT is around $89,470 per year, with a median salary of $86,280. Occupational therapists working in home healthcare services, nursing care facilities, and management of companies and enterprises tend to earn higher wages compared to those working in schools or outpatient care centers.
Average Occupational Therapist Salary by State (for non-traveling OT)
| State | Annual Salary | Weekly Salary | Hourly Wage |
| Alabama | $61,658 | $1,186 | $29.64 |
| Alaska | $98,525 | $1,895 | $47.37 |
| Arizona | $82,202 | $1,580 | $39.52 |
| Arkansas | $70,601 | $21,357 | $33.94 |
| California | $105,738 | $2,033 | $50.84 |
| Colorado | $76,096 | $1,463 | $36.58 |
| Connecticut | $72,671 | $1,398 | $34.94 |
| Delaware | $67,769 | $1,303 | $32.58 |
| Florida | $68,039 | $1,308 | $32.71 |
| Georgia | $68,111 | $1,309 | $32.75 |
| Hawaii | $94,336 | $1,814 | $45.35 |
| Idaho | $78,066 | $1,501 | $37.53 |
| Illinois | $69,303 | $1,332 | $33.32 |
| Indiana | $70,802 | $1,362 | $34.04 |
| Iowa | $71,008 | $1,366 | $34.14 |
| Kansas | $68,542 | $1,318 | $32.95 |
| Kentucky | $64,160 | $1,234 | $30.85 |
| Louisiana | $82,500 | $1,587 | $39.66 |
| Maine | $68,992 | $1,326 | $33.17 |
| Maryland | $75,468 | $1,451 | $36.28 |
| Massachusetts | $77,732 | $1,495 | $37.37 |
| Michigan | $64,386 | $1,238 | $30.95 |
| Minnesota | $70,407 | $1,354 | $33.85 |
| Mississippi | $67,542 | $1,299 | $32.47 |
| Missouri | $67,618 | $1,300 | $32.51 |
| Montana | $73,788 | $1,419 | $35.48 |
| Nebraska | $69,538 | $1,337 | $33.43 |
| Nevada | $95,125 | $1,829 | $45.73 |
| New Hampshire | $73,089 | $1,406 | $35.14 |
| New Jersey | $77,339 | $1,487 | $37.18 |
| New Mexico | $71,432 | $1,374 | $34.34 |
| New York | $72,340 | $1,391 | $34.78 |
| North Carolina | $69,228 | $1,331 | $33.28 |
| North Dakota | $64,816 | $1,246 | $31.16 |
| Ohio | $71,976 | $1,384 | $34.60 |
| Oklahoma | $75,222 | $1,446 | $36.16 |
| Oregon | $92,211 | $1,773 | $44.33 |
| Pennsylvania | $69,889 | $1,344 | $33.60 |
| Rhode Island | $77,832 | $1,497 | $37.42 |
| South Carolina | $70,116 | $1,348 | $33.71 |
| South Dakota | $65,421 | $1,258 | $31.45 |
| Tennessee | $73,937 | $1,422 | $35.55 |
| Texas | $72,237 | $1,389 | $34.73 |
| Utah | $73,396 | $1,411 | $35.29 |
| Vermont | $61,429 | $1,181 | $29.53 |
| Virginia | $77,073 | $1,482 | $37.05 |
| Washington | $89,446 | $1,720 | $43.00 |
| West Virginia | $66,843 | $1,285 | $32.14 |
| Wisconsin | $74,823 | $1,439 | $35.97 |
| Wyoming | $71,018 | $1,365 | $34.14 |
Average Occupational Therapist Job Salary by State (for traveling OT)
| State | Annual Salary | Weekly Salary | Hourly Wage |
| Alabama (Birmingham) | $88,447 | $1,700 | $42.52 |
| Alaska (Juneau) | $100,010 | $1,923 | $48.08 |
| Arizona (Phoenix) | $93,706 | $1,802 | $45.05 |
| Arkansas (Little Rock) | $90,519 | $1,740 | $43.51 |
| California (San Francisco) | $111,190 | $2,138 | $53.46 |
| Colorado (Boulder) | $97,876 | $1,843 | $46.09 |
| Connecticut (Hartford) | $95,197 | $1,830 | $45.77 |
| Delaware (Dover) | $94,322 | $1,813 | $45.34 |
| Florida (Miami) | $90,264 | $1,735 | $43.39 |
| Georgia (Atlanta) | $90,756 | $1,745 | $43.63 |
| Hawaii (Honolulu) | $93,206 | $1,792 | $44.81 |
| Idaho (Boise) | $89,822 | $1,727 | $43.18 |
| Illinois (Chicago) | $97,220 | $1,869 | $46.74 |
| Indiana (Indianapolis) | $90,209 | $1,734 | $43.37 |
| Iowa (Des Moines) | $92,102 | $1,771 | $44.27 |
| Kansas (Topeka) | $88,815 | $1,707 | $42.69 |
| Kentucky (Lexington) | $93,800 | $1,803 | $45.09 |
| Louisiana (New Orleans) | $90,634 | $1,742 | $43.57 |
| Maine (Portland) | $96,556 | $1,856 | $46.42 |
| Maryland (Annapolis) | $93,424 | $1,796 | $44.91 |
| Massachusetts (Boston) | $102,529 | $1,971 | $49.29 |
| Michigan (Detroit) | $93,427 | $1,796 | $44.91 |
| Minnesota (St Paul) | $95,449 | $1,835 | $45.88 |
| Mississippi (Jackson) | $82,240 | $1,581 | $39.53 |
| Missouri (Jefferson City) | $89,451 | $1,720 | $43.00 |
| Montana (Helena) | $89,434 | $1,719 | $42.99 |
| Nebraska (Lincoln) | $82,164 | $1,580 | $39.50 |
| Nevada (Carson City) | $92,428 | $1,777 | $44.43 |
| New Hampshire (Concord) | $94,995 | $1,826 | $45.67 |
| New Jersey (Trenton) | $94,635 | $1,819 | $45.49 |
| New Mexico (Santa Fe) | $92,641 | $1,781 | $44.53 |
| New York (Manhattan) | $104,154 | $2,002 | $50.07 |
| North Carolina (Charlotte) | $92,177 | $1,772 | $44.31 |
| North Dakota (Bismarck) | $94,028 | $1,808 | $45.20 |
| Ohio (Columbus) | $91,156 | $1,753 | $43.82 |
| Oklahoma (OK City) | $87,670 | $1,685 | $42.14 |
| Oregon (Portland) | $100,085 | $1,924 | $48.10 |
| Pennsylvania (Philadelphia) | $95,232 | $1,831 | $45.78 |
| Rhode Island (Providence) | $95,340 | $1,833 | $45.83 |
| South Carolina (Charleston) | $88,317 | $1,698 | $42.46 |
| South Dakota (Pierre) | $94,038 | $1,808 | $45.21 |
| Tennessee (Nashville) | $91,156 | $1,753 | $43.82 |
| Texas (Austin) | $93,545 | $1,798 | $44.97 |
| Utah (Salt Lake City) | $91,327 | $1,756 | $43.90 |
| Vermont (Montpelier) | $95,409 | $1,834 | $45.85 |
| Virginia (Richmond) | $93,396 | $1,796 | $44.90 |
| Washington (Spokane) | $95,424 | $1,835 | $45.87 |
| West Virginia (Charleston) | $91,720 | $1,763 | $44.09 |
| Wisconsin (Green Bay) | $91,794 | $1,765 | $44.13 |
| Wyoming (Cheyenne) | $89,431 | $1,719 | $42.99 |
What is the average incentive bonus for an occupational therapist Job?
The average bonus for an OT is between $1,000 and $5,000, annually. OTs may be eligible for several other bonuses including a sign-on bonus in a high-demand area, performance-based tied to specific goals or patient satisfaction, or a productivity bonus based on the number of patients seen or treatment sessions conducted. A retention or referral bonus may also be offered.
Employed vs. self-employed occupation therapist Job
Salaries vary between employed and self-employed OTs. An employed OT enjoys a stable income, health insurance, retirement plans, administrative support, and paid time off. They usually work more predictable hours and have an opportunity to collaborate within a multidisciplinary team.
A self-employed OT has more control over their work schedule, treatment approach and patient selection. They may also have a lower patient load and less-organizational demands which may lead to less stress or burnout. Their salaries are not capped, but they do not have a benefits package. Initially, a self-employed OT will take more of a financial risk, have more administrative burden, and a greater initial investment in start-up practice costs.
How to do an effective occupational therapist job search
It is easy to find an OT position with PRNHealthcare. Find the “allied health” link at the top of our website. Use the position job search bar by searching “I am an OT” and your specialty. Finally, use the location bar to select your state and city of choice.
Most common benefits for an Occupational Therapist
Being an OT comes with both professional and personal benefits including:
- Growing Field/ Job Security- There is a growing demand for the field due to the aging population and a greater focus on rehab and long-term care.
- Earning Potential- OTs are offered competitive salaries with potential for bonuses and raises.
- Continuous Learning- OTs have opportunities for ongoing education and professional development through workshops, seminars and advanced certifications.
- Work-Life Balance- Many occupational therapists enjoy a work-life balance due to flexible schedules including part-time and per diem work.
- Impact on Patient Care- OTs make a significant difference in their patient’s lives by helping them regain or improve their abilities and skills. They develop meaningful relationships with their patients and their families.
- Team Collaboration- Occupational therapists are part of a team and collaborate with other healthcare professionals including physical therapists, speech therapists, and doctors to provide comprehensive care.
- Community Impact- OTs provide essential skills to those in their community in need. They serve as an advocate for their patients and raise awareness about the importance of occupational therapy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary of an OT in the U.S.?
Recent data suggests the average annual salary for an OT in the United States is $89,470 per year and varies depending on location, years of experience, employment situation, specialization, and the type of healthcare facility. Therapists who specialize in hand therapy, pediatrics, geriatrics and neurology may earn higher salaries due to their skill set.
Do OT salaries vary by geographical location?
Yes, OT salaries vary significantly by geographical location. Generally, OTs in urban areas or regions with a high cost of living tend to earn higher salaries. For example, OTs in states like California and New York often earn more than those in rural or less populated states due to demand and differences in the cost of living. Furthermore, different states may have various levels of funding for healthcare services which may affect the salary range for an OT.
How does experience affect an OT’s salary?
Experience plays a significant role in determining an OT’s salary. Entry-level OTs may start with a lower salary, which increases after 5-10 years of experience. Mid-career OTs can expect to earn $80,000 to $90,000 depending upon the area. With experience, OTs can handle more complex cases, mentor new staff and take on additional responsibilities increasing their salary.
Are there opportunities for OTs to earn additional income?
Yes, there are many opportunities for OTs to earn additional income including setting up a private practice offering specialized services or therapy, offering consulting services to other healthcare providers, providing teletherapy services remotely, teaching, public-speaking, and taking on short-term or per-diem contract work.
What benefits typically accompany an employed OT’s salary?
Occupational therapists often receive a comprehensive benefits package which may include health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, continuing education, tuition reimbursement, dues coverage for organizational membership, and malpractice coverage.