Occupational Therapist Salary in Kentucky
Based on 2K+ workers in Kentucky
Median Annual Salary (KY)
$97,650
$46.95/hr
vs National Average
$98,754
-1.1% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$71K – $119K
2K employed in Kentucky
Occupational Therapist salary in Kentucky averages $97,650 annually, positioning the state slightly below the national average at 1% lower. Currently, approximately 2,190 occupational therapists work throughout Kentucky, with salaries ranging from $71,030 to $119,250 depending on individual circumstances and career stage.
Several factors influence occupational therapist compensation in Kentucky, including years of experience, specialized certifications, and work setting. Therapists in urban healthcare facilities or those with advanced credentials typically earn higher salaries than counterparts in rural areas or entry-level positions. Additionally, employer type—whether hospital, private practice, or school system—significantly impacts earning potential in this field.
Salary Distribution — Occupational Therapist in Kentucky
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $71,030 |
| 25th percentile | $80,120 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $97,650 |
| 75th percentile | $105,220 |
| 90th percentile | $119,250 |
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 Kentucky 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 Kentucky vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Kentucky) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $81,130 |
| 2023 | $82,760 |
| 2024 | $91,250 |
| 2025 | $97,650 |
| 2026 (projected) | $103,509 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Kentucky Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $81,130 | $88,771 |
| 2023 | $82,760 | $93,040 |
| 2024 | $91,250 | $95,329 |
| 2025 | $97,650 | $98,754 |
| 2026 (projected) | $103,509 | $104,679 |
Occupational Therapist Salary by Experience Level in Kentucky
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $80,120 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $97,650 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $105,220 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $119,250 |
Occupational Therapist Salary in Other States
Related Occupational Therapist Salaries in Kentucky
How other high-demand occupations in Kentucky compare to Occupational Therapist ($97,650 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Occupational Therapist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in KY | $558,180 | +471.6% | $268.36/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in KY | $347,960 | +256.3% | $167.29/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in KY | $317,110 | +224.7% | $152.46/hr |
| Radiologist in KY | $279,990 | +186.7% | $134.61/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in KY | $248,730 | +154.7% | $119.58/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in KY | $241,530 | +147.3% | $116.12/hr |
| Psychiatrist in KY | $237,770 | +143.5% | $114.31/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in KY | $222,520 | +127.9% | $106.98/hr |
| Podiatrist in KY | $201,260 | +106.1% | $96.76/hr |
| Pediatrician in KY | $175,690 | +79.9% | $84.47/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in KY | $169,390 | +73.5% | $81.44/hr |
| Surgeon in KY | $162,160 | +66.1% | $77.96/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Kentucky?
- The median salary for occupational therapists in Kentucky is $97,650 per year, or approximately $47 per hour. This is slightly below the national average by 1.1%, making Kentucky a competitive market for this profession.
What is the salary range for occupational therapists in Kentucky?
- Occupational therapists in Kentucky earn between $71,030 and $119,250 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. This range represents the typical spread from entry-level to more experienced positions in the state.
Is the occupational therapist salary in Kentucky higher or lower than the national average?
- Kentucky's occupational therapist median salary of $97,650 is 1.1% below the national average. While slightly lower than the national figure, the state still offers solid earning potential for professionals in this field.
How many occupational therapists are employed in Kentucky?
- There are approximately 2,190 occupational therapists currently employed in Kentucky. This represents a stable workforce in the state's healthcare and rehabilitation sectors.