Occupational Therapist Salary in Arizona
Based on 3K+ workers in Arizona
Median Annual Salary (AZ)
$103,660
$49.84/hr
vs National Average
$98,754
+5.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$78K – $132K
3K employed in Arizona
Occupational Therapist salary in Arizona averages $103,660 annually, positioning the state about 5% above the national average. With approximately 2,680 occupational therapists employed throughout Arizona, the field represents a stable career path for healthcare professionals. Salaries in this state range from $78,160 to $131,950, reflecting significant variation based on individual circumstances and experience levels.
Several factors influence occupational therapist compensation in Arizona, including years of experience, specialized certifications, and work setting. Therapists employed in hospitals or specialized rehabilitation facilities often earn more than those in private practice or educational settings. Geographic location within Arizona, employer size, and patient caseload complexity also play important roles in determining individual salary outcomes for occupational therapy professionals.
Salary Distribution — Occupational Therapist in Arizona
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $78,160 |
| 25th percentile | $85,980 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $103,660 |
| 75th percentile | $122,900 |
| 90th percentile | $131,950 |
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 Arizona 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 Arizona vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Arizona) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $84,250 |
| 2023 | $95,020 |
| 2024 | $102,220 |
| 2025 | $103,660 |
| 2026 (projected) | $105,120 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Arizona Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $84,250 | $88,771 |
| 2023 | $95,020 | $93,040 |
| 2024 | $102,220 | $95,329 |
| 2025 | $103,660 | $98,754 |
| 2026 (projected) | $105,120 | $100,145 |
Occupational Therapist Salary by Experience Level in Arizona
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $85,980 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $103,660 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $122,900 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $131,950 |
Occupational Therapist Salary in Other States
Related Occupational Therapist Salaries in Arizona
How other high-demand occupations in Arizona compare to Occupational Therapist ($103,660 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Occupational Therapist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radiologist in AZ | $470,640 | +354.0% | $226.27/hr |
| Surgeon in AZ | $415,980 | +301.3% | $199.99/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in AZ | $369,720 | +256.7% | $177.75/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in AZ | $292,760 | +182.4% | $140.75/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in AZ | $259,320 | +150.2% | $124.67/hr |
| Psychiatrist in AZ | $249,720 | +140.9% | $120.06/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in AZ | $248,660 | +139.9% | $119.55/hr |
| Pediatrician in AZ | $233,950 | +125.7% | $112.48/hr |
| Dentist in AZ | $194,180 | +87.3% | $93.36/hr |
| Veterinarian in AZ | $152,020 | +46.7% | $73.09/hr |
| Pharmacist in AZ | $146,930 | +41.7% | $70.64/hr |
| Nurse Midwife in AZ | $140,960 | +36.0% | $67.77/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Arizona?
- Occupational therapists in Arizona earn a median salary of $103,660 per year, or $50 per hour. This is 5.0% higher than the national average for the profession, making Arizona a competitive market for OT salaries.
What is the salary range for occupational therapists in Arizona?
- Occupational therapist salaries in Arizona range from $78,160 at the lower end to $131,950 at the upper end of the spectrum. This $53,790 salary spread reflects differences in experience, specialization, and employer type.
Is Arizona a good state for occupational therapist salaries?
- Yes, Arizona offers above-average compensation for occupational therapists, with salaries 5.0% higher than the national average. The median salary of $103,660 annually positions Arizona favorably for professionals in this field.
How many occupational therapists work in Arizona?
- There are approximately 2,680 occupational therapists currently employed in Arizona. This represents a substantial workforce in the state's healthcare and rehabilitation sectors.