Occupational Therapist Salary in Alabama
Based on 2K+ workers in Alabama
Median Annual Salary (AL)
$94,050
$45.22/hr
vs National Average
$98,754
-4.8% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$77K – $124K
2K employed in Alabama
The median occupational therapist salary in Alabama is $95,410 per year, which meets the national average for this profession. With approximately 1,390 occupational therapists employed throughout the state, Alabama offers consistent opportunities in this healthcare field. Salaries in the state range from $73,030 to $122,990 annually, reflecting variation based on experience and position type.
Several factors influence occupational therapist salary in Alabama, including years of experience, employer type, and geographic location within the state. Healthcare settings such as hospitals and rehabilitation facilities may offer different compensation than private practice or educational institutions. Advanced certifications, specializations, and caseload complexity can also impact earning potential, with more experienced therapists and those in specialized areas typically commanding higher salaries.
Salary Distribution — Occupational Therapist in Alabama
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $76,670 |
| 25th percentile | $82,500 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $94,050 |
| 75th percentile | $107,650 |
| 90th percentile | $123,870 |
Top-Paying Industries for Occupational Therapist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Occupational Therapists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Occupational Therapists in Alabama tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $105,560 | 3K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $101,950 | 200 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $101,410 | 570 |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $101,080 | 133K |
| Administrative and Support Services | $100,120 | 3K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Occupational Therapist in Alabama vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Alabama) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $83,770 |
| 2023 | $95,340 |
| 2024 | $95,410 |
| 2025 | $94,050 |
| 2026 (projected) | $94,050 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Alabama Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $83,770 | $88,771 |
| 2023 | $95,340 | $93,040 |
| 2024 | $95,410 | $95,329 |
| 2025 | $94,050 | $98,754 |
| 2026 (projected) | $94,050 | $98,754 |
Occupational Therapist Salary by Experience Level in Alabama
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $82,500 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $94,050 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $107,650 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $123,870 |
Occupational Therapist Salary in Other States
Related Occupational Therapist Salaries in Alabama
How other high-demand occupations in Alabama compare to Occupational Therapist ($94,050 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Occupational Therapist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in AL | $519,480 | +452.3% | $249.75/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in AL | $392,350 | +317.2% | $188.63/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in AL | $311,180 | +230.9% | $149.61/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in AL | $210,380 | +123.7% | $101.14/hr |
| Pediatrician in AL | $209,490 | +122.7% | $100.72/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in AL | $190,300 | +102.3% | $91.49/hr |
| Podiatrist in AL | $161,820 | +72.1% | $77.80/hr |
| Optometrist in AL | $145,090 | +54.3% | $69.75/hr |
| Pharmacist in AL | $134,630 | +43.1% | $64.73/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in AL | $134,550 | +43.1% | $64.69/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in AL | $105,750 | +12.4% | $50.84/hr |
| Veterinarian in AL | $105,630 | +12.3% | $50.78/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Alabama?
- Occupational therapists in Alabama earn a median salary of $95,410 per year, or $46 per hour. This is slightly above the national average, representing a +0.1% difference compared to occupational therapists across the United States.
What is the salary range for occupational therapists in Alabama?
- The salary range for occupational therapists in Alabama spans from $73,030 at the lower end to $122,990 at the higher end. This range reflects variation based on experience, location within the state, and employer type.
How many occupational therapists work in Alabama?
- There are approximately 1,390 occupational therapists currently employed in Alabama. This represents a substantial workforce in the state for this healthcare profession.
Is the occupational therapist salary in Alabama competitive nationally?
- Yes, Alabama's median occupational therapist salary of $95,410 is competitive nationally, sitting just 0.1% above the national average. This makes Alabama an attractive state for occupational therapists seeking employment in line with national pay standards.