Occupational Therapist Salary in Colorado
Based on 3K+ workers in Colorado
Median Annual Salary (CO)
$106,720
$51.31/hr
vs National Average
$98,754
+8.1% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$81K – $158K
3K employed in Colorado
Occupational therapist salary in Colorado averages $106,720 annually, which is 8% above the national average. With approximately 3,390 occupational therapists currently employed throughout the state, Colorado offers competitive compensation in this healthcare field. Salaries in this profession typically range from $81,390 to $157,820 depending on individual circumstances and experience level.
Several factors influence occupational therapist salary in Colorado, including years of clinical experience, specialized certifications, and work setting. Employment in urban centers like Denver generally commands higher wages than rural areas. Additionally, therapists working in specialized rehabilitation facilities or private practice often earn more than those in schools or community health settings. Advanced credentials and a strong client base further impact earning potential in this growing profession.
Salary Distribution — Occupational Therapist in Colorado
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $81,390 |
| 25th percentile | $94,210 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $106,720 |
| 75th percentile | $128,250 |
| 90th percentile | $157,820 |
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 Colorado 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 Colorado vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Colorado) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $96,450 |
| 2023 | $101,940 |
| 2024 | $103,970 |
| 2025 | $106,720 |
| 2026 (projected) | $109,543 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Colorado Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $96,450 | $88,771 |
| 2023 | $101,940 | $93,040 |
| 2024 | $103,970 | $95,329 |
| 2025 | $106,720 | $98,754 |
| 2026 (projected) | $109,543 | $101,366 |
Occupational Therapist Salary by Experience Level in Colorado
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $94,210 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $106,720 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $128,250 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $157,820 |
Occupational Therapist Salary in Other States
Related Occupational Therapist Salaries in Colorado
How other high-demand occupations in Colorado compare to Occupational Therapist ($106,720 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Occupational Therapist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radiologist in CO | $344,270 | +222.6% | $165.51/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in CO | $299,990 | +181.1% | $144.23/hr |
| Psychiatrist in CO | $266,370 | +149.6% | $128.06/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in CO | $265,560 | +148.8% | $127.67/hr |
| Pediatrician in CO | $196,440 | +84.1% | $94.44/hr |
| Dentist in CO | $166,240 | +55.8% | $79.92/hr |
| Pharmacist in CO | $156,030 | +46.2% | $75.01/hr |
| Optometrist in CO | $152,000 | +42.4% | $73.08/hr |
| Podiatrist in CO | $142,620 | +33.6% | $68.57/hr |
| Nurse Midwife in CO | $137,610 | +28.9% | $66.16/hr |
| Medical and Health Services Manager in CO | $134,910 | +26.4% | $64.86/hr |
| Physician Assistant in CO | $134,540 | +26.1% | $64.68/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Colorado?
- The median salary for occupational therapists in Colorado is $106,720 per year, or $51 per hour. This is 8.1% higher than the national average, making Colorado a competitive state for this profession.
What is the salary range for occupational therapists in Colorado?
- Occupational therapist salaries in Colorado range from $81,390 at the lower end to $157,820 at the higher end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, specialization, and employer type.
How many occupational therapists are employed in Colorado?
- There are currently 3,390 occupational therapists employed in Colorado. This represents a substantial workforce in the state for this healthcare profession.
Is Colorado a good state for occupational therapist salaries?
- Yes, Colorado offers above-average compensation for occupational therapists with a median salary of $106,720, which is 8.1% higher than the national average. This makes it an attractive location for professionals in this field seeking competitive wages.