Occupational Therapist Salary in Delaware
Based on 490+ workers in Delaware
Median Annual Salary (DE)
$102,130
$49.10/hr
vs National Average
$98,754
+3.4% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$71K – $139K
490 employed in Delaware
Occupational Therapist salary in Delaware averages $102,130 annually, which is 3% above the national average. This median reflects compensation for approximately 490 occupational therapists currently working in the state. Salaries in this field range from $71,280 at the lower end to $138,640 for experienced practitioners, indicating substantial variation based on individual circumstances.
Several factors influence occupational therapist earnings in Delaware, including years of experience, educational credentials, and specialization areas. Work setting also plays a significant role, as therapists in hospitals or private practice may earn differently than those in schools or rehabilitation facilities. Geographic location within the state and current demand for therapy services can further impact compensation levels.
Salary Distribution — Occupational Therapist in Delaware
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $71,280 |
| 25th percentile | $90,860 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $102,130 |
| 75th percentile | $121,140 |
| 90th percentile | $138,640 |
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 Delaware 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 Delaware vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Delaware) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $87,360 |
| 2023 | $96,160 |
| 2024 | $96,080 |
| 2025 | $102,130 |
| 2026 (projected) | $108,258 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Delaware Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $87,360 | $88,771 |
| 2023 | $96,160 | $93,040 |
| 2024 | $96,080 | $95,329 |
| 2025 | $102,130 | $98,754 |
| 2026 (projected) | $108,258 | $104,679 |
Occupational Therapist Salary by Experience Level in Delaware
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $90,860 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $102,130 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $121,140 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $138,640 |
Occupational Therapist Salary in Other States
Related Occupational Therapist Salaries in Delaware
How other high-demand occupations in Delaware compare to Occupational Therapist ($102,130 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Occupational Therapist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in DE | $324,080 | +217.3% | $155.81/hr |
| Psychiatrist in DE | $279,410 | +173.6% | $134.33/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in DE | $228,000 | +123.2% | $109.62/hr |
| Pediatrician in DE | $219,190 | +114.6% | $105.38/hr |
| Podiatrist in DE | $170,560 | +67.0% | $82.00/hr |
| Optometrist in DE | $161,270 | +57.9% | $77.53/hr |
| Pharmacist in DE | $152,880 | +49.7% | $73.50/hr |
| Physician Assistant in DE | $139,350 | +36.4% | $67.00/hr |
| Medical and Health Services Manager in DE | $134,820 | +32.0% | $64.82/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in DE | $131,040 | +28.3% | $63.00/hr |
| Nurse Midwife in DE | $127,510 | +24.9% | $61.30/hr |
| Speech-Language Pathologist in DE | $102,760 | +0.6% | $49.40/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Delaware?
- The median salary for occupational therapists in Delaware is $102,130 per year, or approximately $49 per hour. This is 3.4% higher than the national average, making it a competitive compensation level for this profession in the state.
What is the salary range for occupational therapists in Delaware?
- Occupational therapist salaries in Delaware range from $71,280 at the lower end to $138,640 at the upper end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, specialization, and employer type.
Is occupational therapy a well-paying job in Delaware compared to the US?
- Yes, Delaware occupational therapists earn 3.4% more than the national average, with a median salary of $102,130 per year. This makes Delaware one of the better-paying states for this profession.
How many occupational therapists work in Delaware?
- There are approximately 490 occupational therapists employed in Delaware. This represents the total number of professionals working in this occupation throughout the state.