Occupational Therapist Salary in the United States
Based on 162K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$98,754
$47.48/hr
▲ 3.6% vs 2024Salary Range
$72K – $126K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
162K
workers nationwide
The median Occupational Therapist salary in the United States is $98,754 annually, or $47 per hour. This reflects a robust demand for these professionals who help individuals regain or develop skills for daily living. The salary range for Occupational Therapists in the US typically falls between $71,922 and $126,475.
Several factors can influence an Occupational Therapist salary in the United States. These include years of experience, the specific healthcare setting (hospital, school, private practice), and geographic location. For example, a highly experienced therapist in a high cost-of-living area like California, which boasts a median salary of $124,510, may earn significantly more.
Salary Distribution — Occupational Therapist
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $71,922 |
| 25th percentile | $84,141 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $98,754 |
| 75th percentile | $112,184 |
| 90th percentile | $126,475 |
Occupational Therapist Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Occupational Therapist
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | $124,510 | +26.1% | 14K |
| 2 | Oregon | $112,310 | +13.7% | 1K |
| 3 | Nevada | $110,520 | +11.9% | 1K |
| 4 | District of Columbia | $109,170 | +10.5% | 540 |
| 5 | Washington | $107,670 | +9.0% | 3K |
| 6 | Maryland | $106,980 | +8.3% | 2K |
| 7 | Colorado | $106,720 | +8.1% | 3K |
| 8 | Arkansas | $106,360 | +7.7% | 2K |
| 9 | Texas | $106,140 | +7.5% | 13K |
| 10 | Oklahoma | $104,300 | +5.6% | 1K |
Occupational Therapist Salary by Industry
How much Occupational Therapists earn across industries nationwide — Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) pays the most ($105,560 median). Ranked by median annual salary (2025 BLS OEWS data).
| # | Industry | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $105,560 | +6.9% | 3K |
| 2 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $101,950 | +3.2% | 200 |
| 3 | Management of Companies and Enterprises | $101,410 | +2.7% | 570 |
| 4 | Health Care and Social Assistance | $101,080 | +2.4% | 133K |
| 5 | Administrative and Support Services | $100,120 | +1.4% | 3K |
| 6 | Finance and Insurance | $97,030 | -1.7% | 40 |
| 7 | Educational Services | $87,300 | -11.6% | 23K |
| 8 | Other Services (except Public Administration) | $83,560 | -15.4% | 70 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures.
Top H-1B Employers for Occupational Therapist
Companies that filed the most H-1B applications for Occupational Therapist roles, with their median base salary.
| # | Company | Median Salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Grandison Management | $71,968 | 243 |
Historical Salary Trend — Occupational Therapist
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $88,771 |
| 2023 | $93,040 |
| 2024 | $95,329 |
| 2025 | $98,754 |
| 2026 (projected) | $102,302 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
Occupational Therapist Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $84,141 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $98,754 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $112,184 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $126,475 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Occupational Therapist salary in the US?
- The median Occupational Therapist salary in the United States is $98,754 per year. This means half of all Occupational Therapists earn more than this figure, and half earn less.
What is the salary range for Occupational Therapists in the US?
- The salary range for Occupational Therapists in the US generally spans from $71,922 to $126,475 annually. This wide range accounts for varying levels of experience and specialization.
Which state pays Occupational Therapists the most?
- California is the top-paying state for Occupational Therapists, with a median salary of $124,510 per year. This is significantly higher than the national median.
How many Occupational Therapists are employed in the United States?
- There are approximately 162,420 Occupational Therapists employed across the United States. This indicates a substantial job market for the profession.