Occupational therapist salary in the USA is around $100,330 per year at the national median level, according to the latest May 2025 wage data. An occupational therapist, often called an OT, helps people improve or regain skills needed for everyday life, work, school, and independent living. If you are searching for occupational therapist salary, OT salary, occupational therapy salary, or how much an occupational therapist makes, the pay can change a lot depending on the state, work setting, experience, and type of patients treated. Occupational therapist salary per hour is about $48.24 at the national median, while higher-paid OTs can earn more than $131,950 a year. Some states also pay well above the national level, making location an important part of an occupational therapy career in the USA.
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Occupational Therapist Salary in the USA
The occupational therapist salary in the USA is a little above $100,000 per year at the median. The latest U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows a median annual wage of $100,330 for occupational therapists in May 2025. This means about half of occupational therapists earn more than this amount and half earn less.
The hourly occupational therapist salary is about $48.24 at the median. For someone working a normal full-time schedule, this is a strong healthcare salary, although actual pay can be different from the simple hourly calculation because some occupational therapists work different schedules, part time, contract jobs, home health visits, or other arrangements.
There is also a fairly wide salary range in this profession. The lowest 10 percent of occupational therapists earned less than $71,690 per year, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $131,950. So, an OT starting a career and an experienced occupational therapist working in a high-paying market can have a very different salary.
- Median occupational therapist salary: $100,330 per year
- Median occupational therapist hourly pay: $48.24 per hour
- Lower 10%: Less than $71,690 per year
- Upper 10%: More than $131,950 per year
- Middle 50%: About $82,510 to $116,670 per year
These numbers are national figures. Your actual occupational therapist pay can be higher or lower based on where you work and which healthcare setting you choose.
Occupational Therapist Salary by State
Occupational therapist salary by state can be very different across the United States. In the latest May 2025 data, California has one of the highest median wages for occupational therapists at $124,510 a year. Oregon is also above $110,000, while Nevada is above $110,000. At the lower end, North Dakota, New Hampshire, Maine and South Dakota have lower median wages compared with the national figure.
The table below shows the median annual occupational therapist salary for each U.S. state. The figures are annual median wages, not average salary estimates.
| State | Salary Amount |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $94,050 |
| Alaska | $103,680 |
| Arizona | $103,660 |
| Arkansas | $106,360 |
| California | $124,510 |
| Colorado | $106,720 |
| Connecticut | $102,440 |
| Delaware | $102,130 |
| Florida | $99,360 |
| Georgia | $104,010 |
| Hawaii | $102,870 |
| Idaho | $97,760 |
| Illinois | $99,700 |
| Indiana | $97,020 |
| Iowa | $89,910 |
| Kansas | $99,170 |
| Kentucky | $97,650 |
| Louisiana | $98,490 |
| Maine | $84,310 |
| Maryland | $106,980 |
| Massachusetts | $100,930 |
| Michigan | $89,910 |
| Minnesota | $93,050 |
| Mississippi | $94,930 |
| Missouri | $97,290 |
| Montana | $88,990 |
| Nebraska | $93,740 |
| Nevada | $110,520 |
| New Hampshire | $83,900 |
| New Jersey | $103,410 |
| New Mexico | $99,170 |
| New York | $96,390 |
| North Carolina | $92,940 |
| North Dakota | $83,200 |
| Ohio | $99,390 |
| Oklahoma | $104,300 |
| Oregon | $112,310 |
| Pennsylvania | $98,440 |
| Rhode Island | $100,040 |
| South Carolina | $101,130 |
| South Dakota | $85,050 |
| Tennessee | $97,700 |
| Texas | $106,140 |
| Utah | $97,150 |
| Vermont | $93,340 |
| Virginia | $100,710 |
| Washington | $107,670 |
| West Virginia | $96,190 |
| Wisconsin | $92,390 |
| Wyoming | $86,170 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. State figures shown above are median annual wages for Occupational Therapists (SOC 29-1122).
Highest Paying States for Occupational Therapists
If you are looking for the highest paying states for occupational therapists, California is currently at the top among the states in the May 2025 median wage data. Oregon and Nevada also have occupational therapist salaries above $110,000. Several other states are above the national median too.
- California: $124,510 median salary
- Oregon: $112,310 median salary
- Nevada: $110,520 median salary
- Washington: $107,670 median salary
- Maryland: $106,980 median salary
- Colorado: $106,720 median salary
- Arkansas: $106,360 median salary
- Texas: $106,140 median salary
High salary does not always mean the best financial choice, because the cost of living can also be much higher in some states. An occupational therapist should look at salary together with rent, taxes, transportation and other daily costs before moving only for a higher paycheck.
Lowest Paying States for Occupational Therapists
Some states have occupational therapist salaries below the national median. North Dakota has a median annual wage of about $83,200, followed by New Hampshire at $83,900 and Maine at $84,310. These salaries are still higher than many occupations in the United States, but they are lower than the national OT median.
- North Dakota: $83,200
- New Hampshire: $83,900
- Maine: $84,310
- South Dakota: $85,050
- Wyoming: $86,170
- Montana: $88,990
- Iowa: $89,910
- Michigan: $89,910
State salary rankings are useful for comparing the market, but they should not be treated as a guarantee for every occupational therapist. A new graduate, experienced OT, pediatric OT, hospital OT and home health OT can all have different pay even inside the same state.
How Much Does an Occupational Therapist Make?
How much an occupational therapist makes depends on experience, employer, location and work setting. The national median is about $100,330 per year, but some occupational therapists earn below $80,000 while experienced workers in stronger markets can go well above $120,000.
For many people, occupational therapy is attractive because it combines healthcare work with a relatively strong salary and a professional career path. OTs work with people who may have injuries, illness, disabilities or developmental conditions, and the work can be different from one patient to another.
- New occupational therapists may start closer to the lower part of the national pay range.
- Experienced occupational therapists can move toward the middle or upper salary range.
- Specialized clinical skills can help improve earning potential.
- Home health and some healthcare settings can pay more than some traditional positions.
- Location can make a major difference in occupational therapist salary.
Occupational Therapist Salary Per Hour
The median occupational therapist salary per hour is about $48.24 based on the May 2025 national wage data. This makes occupational therapy a relatively high-paying healthcare occupation. The lower 10 percent is below about $34.47 per hour, while the upper 10 percent is above about $63.44 per hour.
Hourly pay is useful when comparing different job offers, but occupational therapists should also check whether the job is full time, part time, salaried or paid by visits. Especially in home health and contract work, the hourly or visit rate may not tell the full story about yearly income.
Occupational Therapist Salary Per Month
If the national median annual salary of $100,330 is divided by 12 months, it comes to around $8,361 per month before taxes. This is only a simple monthly salary calculation and not a statement that every occupational therapist receives exactly this amount each month.
- Annual median: $100,330
- Approximate monthly pay: $8,361
- Approximate weekly pay: $1,930
- Median hourly pay: $48.24
Actual take-home pay will be lower after federal and state taxes, insurance, retirement contributions and other deductions. The amount also depends on the state where the occupational therapist lives.
Occupational Therapist Starting Salary
Occupational therapist starting salary is usually lower than the national median because new graduates are just entering the profession. A new occupational therapist may start somewhere around the lower or middle part of the national salary range, depending on the state, employer and healthcare setting. In a high-paying state, even a new OT can have a good starting salary, while entry-level pay can be lower in areas where healthcare wages are lower.
The starting salary is also affected by whether the job is in a hospital, nursing care facility, outpatient clinic, school or home health. A new occupational therapist should not look only at the salary number when comparing offers. Benefits, paid time off, health insurance, retirement plans and continuing education support can make one job much better than another.
- New graduates normally earn less than experienced occupational therapists.
- Large hospitals may offer competitive entry-level pay and benefits.
- Some rural areas may offer hiring incentives to attract new OTs.
- Specialized experience can help increase pay after starting the career.
- Location remains one of the biggest factors in starting salary.
Occupational Therapist Salary With Experience
Occupational therapist salary with experience can increase as the professional develops stronger clinical skills and takes on more responsibilities. Experience alone does not automatically create a large salary increase, but it can help an OT qualify for better positions, specialty roles, supervisory jobs and higher-paying employers.
An occupational therapist who has several years of experience may have more choices than a new graduate. For example, an experienced OT may move into home health, hospital-based care, rehabilitation, management or a specialized clinical area. Some professionals also choose contract work where pay arrangements can be different from regular salaried employment.
Experienced occupational therapists can also earn more by becoming highly skilled in a particular area. Pediatric therapy, neurological rehabilitation, hand therapy and other specialty areas may provide different career opportunities depending on the local market.
- Entry level: Usually closer to the lower part of the salary range.
- Mid career: Salary can move toward or above the national median.
- Experienced OT: More opportunities for higher-paying positions.
- Senior roles: Management or advanced responsibilities can increase earning potential.
Hospital Occupational Therapist Salary
Hospital occupational therapist salary can be competitive because hospitals are one of the major employers of occupational therapists. Hospital OTs may work with patients recovering from surgery, injury, stroke, neurological conditions and other health problems that affect their ability to perform daily activities.
Pay at a hospital can vary based on whether it is a large medical center, community hospital or specialty facility. Location also matters. A hospital in California, Washington or another high-paying market can have a very different salary structure compared with a hospital in a lower-paying state.
Hospital jobs may also come with benefits that are important when comparing total compensation. Health insurance, retirement contributions, paid holidays and continuing education can add value beyond the basic occupational therapist salary.
Home Health Occupational Therapist Salary
Home health occupational therapist salary can be attractive for professionals who prefer working directly in patients' homes. A home health OT may visit several patients during the week and help them safely complete everyday activities in their own environment.
Home health work can be paid in different ways depending on the employer. Some positions are salaried, while others may pay per visit or use another compensation system. Because of this, an OT should look at the complete compensation package instead of comparing only an hourly or visit rate.
- Home health allows therapists to work in patients' actual living environments.
- Travel between patient homes can be part of the job.
- Some employers provide mileage reimbursement or other travel benefits.
- Pay structure can be salary, hourly or based on visits.
- Experienced OTs may have more options for choosing home health positions.
Pediatric Occupational Therapist Salary
Pediatric occupational therapist salary depends on the employer, location and level of experience. Pediatric OTs work with children who may need help with motor skills, coordination, daily activities, school-related tasks or developmental challenges.
Pediatric occupational therapists can work in schools, children's hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers and private practices. The salary can therefore be different even when two professionals have the same job title.
Working with children can also require strong communication with parents, teachers and other healthcare professionals. An OT who develops experience in pediatric therapy may find additional career opportunities as their skills grow.
Occupational Therapist Salary by Work Setting
Where an occupational therapist works can have a major effect on salary. The same professional license does not mean every employer pays the same amount. Hospitals, nursing care facilities, outpatient healthcare services, schools and government employers can all have different salary structures.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, occupational therapists work across several industries, including hospitals, educational services, nursing and residential care facilities, and offices of other health practitioners. Each setting has its own working conditions and compensation structure.
- Hospitals: Patient care is often more medically focused and may involve rehabilitation.
- Outpatient clinics: OTs commonly see patients who come for scheduled therapy sessions.
- Nursing care facilities: Therapists may work with older adults and patients needing long-term rehabilitation.
- Schools: Pediatric occupational therapists can help students participate more effectively in school activities.
- Home health: Therapists travel to patients' homes and provide treatment in their daily environment.
Occupational Therapist Pay in Hospitals vs Outpatient Clinics
Occupational therapist pay can be different between hospitals and outpatient clinics. Hospital positions may involve more complex patients and a different work schedule, while outpatient therapists may see several patients during a normal clinic day.
Neither setting is automatically the highest paying for every OT. Salary depends on the employer, state, experience and local demand. A professional should compare the complete job offer rather than assuming one work setting always pays more.
How Much Does an Occupational Therapist Make a Year?
How much does an occupational therapist make a year? The latest national median wage is about $100,330 per year. But this number is not a fixed salary for every OT. Some professionals earn below $80,000, while experienced occupational therapists in high-paying markets can earn well over $120,000.
The annual income can also change when an occupational therapist changes employers, moves to another state, works more hours or takes a position with additional responsibilities. This is why salary by state and work setting are important when researching this career.
Can Occupational Therapists Make $100,000 a Year?
Yes, occupational therapists can make $100,000 or more per year. In fact, the national median annual wage for occupational therapists was $100,330 in May 2025. This means earning around $100,000 is not unusual for the profession, although individual salaries still vary.
An OT's chance of earning more than $100,000 can depend strongly on location and experience. Working in a state with higher occupational therapist wages, gaining clinical experience and choosing a strong-paying employer can all help increase earning potential.
- Higher-paying states can make a $100,000 salary more achievable.
- Experience can help an OT qualify for better positions.
- Specialty skills can create additional career opportunities.
- Management and senior positions may have higher compensation.
- Work setting can affect total yearly earnings.
Occupational Therapist Education Requirements
To become an occupational therapist in the United States, a person normally needs to complete an accredited occupational therapy education program and meet the licensing requirements of the state where they want to practice. Occupational therapy is a licensed healthcare profession, so education is an important part of entering the career.
Most occupational therapists need a master's degree in occupational therapy, although the exact education and licensing requirements should be checked with the relevant state licensing authority. Students also complete supervised clinical training as part of their professional preparation.
After completing the required education and other requirements, graduates generally need to pass the national certification examination administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy before becoming licensed according to state rules.
- Complete the required undergraduate education.
- Complete an accredited occupational therapy program.
- Complete required fieldwork or clinical training.
- Pass the required national certification examination.
- Meet the licensing requirements of the state.
How Long Does It Take to Become an Occupational Therapist?
Becoming an occupational therapist takes several years because the profession requires specialized education and clinical training. Many students complete a bachelor's degree first and then enter a master's or doctoral occupational therapy program.
The total time can vary based on the education route and the student's previous coursework. Someone planning this career should check the admission requirements of occupational therapy programs early because prerequisite classes can be different between schools.
Occupational Therapist Job Outlook
The occupational therapist job outlook in the USA is strong. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of occupational therapists to grow by 15 percent from 2025 to 2035. This is much faster than the average growth projected for all occupations.
BLS also projects about 10,200 occupational therapist openings each year, on average, over the 2025–2035 period. Openings can come from new jobs as well as workers who leave the occupation or retire.
The demand for occupational therapy is supported by the need for rehabilitation and help with everyday activities among people recovering from illness or injury, older adults and people living with disabilities. This gives the profession a strong long-term career outlook.
- Projected employment growth: 15% from 2025 to 2035
- Average annual openings: About 10,200
- Career area: Healthcare and rehabilitation
- Demand: Expected to remain strong
Is Occupational Therapy a Good Career?
Occupational therapy can be a good career for someone who wants to work in healthcare and also enjoys helping people become more independent. The profession offers a strong salary, several work settings and a positive employment outlook.
It is not an easy career for everyone. Occupational therapists spend a lot of time working directly with patients, and the job can require patience, communication and physical activity. But for people who enjoy rehabilitation and working with patients, the career can offer both professional satisfaction and good earning potential.
Benefits of Becoming an Occupational Therapist
Salary is only one reason people choose occupational therapy. The profession also gives OTs the ability to work with different patient groups and choose from several healthcare environments. Someone may begin in a hospital and later move into outpatient care, home health, schools or another specialty.
- Strong national salary compared with many healthcare occupations.
- Good projected job growth.
- Multiple healthcare and rehabilitation work settings.
- Opportunities to specialize.
- Potential to increase earnings with experience.
- Ability to work with children, adults or older patients.
- Possibility of moving between different types of OT jobs during a career.
Factors That Affect Occupational Therapist Salary
There is no single occupational therapist salary that applies to every worker. The amount an OT earns is usually influenced by several factors. Two occupational therapists with similar education can have different pay because they work in different states or healthcare settings.
- Location: State and local healthcare markets can strongly affect pay.
- Experience: Experienced professionals may qualify for higher-paying jobs.
- Work setting: Hospitals, clinics, schools and home health can have different pay structures.
- Specialty: Specialized clinical skills can create additional opportunities.
- Employer: Large healthcare systems and smaller employers may have different compensation packages.
- Schedule: Full-time, part-time, contract and per-visit work can produce different income.
Occupational Therapist Salary vs Other Healthcare Careers
Occupational therapy is one of several healthcare careers where specialized education can lead to a strong professional salary. When comparing OT salary with another healthcare job, it is important to compare education requirements, licensing, job duties, work hours and long-term career opportunities along with salary.
An occupational therapist may earn around the national six-figure median while working in rehabilitation and patient-care environments. For someone interested in healthcare but not necessarily in becoming a physician or nurse, occupational therapy can be an option worth considering.
Final Thoughts on Occupational Therapist Salary in the USA
Occupational therapist salary in the USA is strong, with a national median annual wage of about $100,330 in May 2025. Pay can vary considerably by state, experience, employer and work setting. California, Oregon and Nevada are among the states with the highest median wages, while several other states offer salaries below the national median.
For people considering this profession, salary is only part of the decision. Education requirements, licensing, patient care responsibilities, work-life balance, location and job outlook should also be considered. With 15 percent projected employment growth from 2025 to 2035, occupational therapy remains a career with strong demand and good earning potential in the United States.
Source for Occupational Therapist Salary Data
Salary information in this article is based primarily on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), including the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program and Occupational Outlook Handbook. State salary figures use May 2025 wage data, while career outlook information uses the latest available BLS projections.
Salary figures are estimates and actual occupational therapist pay can be different from one employer, city or state to another. Readers should use the data as a salary comparison guide rather than a guaranteed salary offer.