Occupational Therapist Salary in North Carolina
Based on 4K+ workers in North Carolina
Median Annual Salary (NC)
$92,940
$44.68/hr
vs National Average
$98,754
-5.9% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$62K – $118K
4K employed in North Carolina
The average Occupational Therapist salary in North Carolina is $92,940 per year, placing it 6% below the national average for this vital profession. With 4,490 occupational therapists currently employed across the state, understanding this salary landscape is crucial for both aspiring and practicing professionals. This median figure offers a central point for evaluating compensation within North Carolina's healthcare sector.
Several factors contribute to the variation within the Occupational Therapist salary in North Carolina, including years of experience, the specific setting of employment, and geographical location within the state. Therapists in urban centers or specialized facilities may command higher salaries, while those in rural areas or general practice might fall within the lower end of the $62,230 to $118,300 annual range. Continued professional development and advanced certifications can also positively influence earning potential.
Salary Distribution — Occupational Therapist in North Carolina
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $62,230 |
| 25th percentile | $77,510 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $92,940 |
| 75th percentile | $104,820 |
| 90th percentile | $118,300 |
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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina vs National
| Year | Median Salary (North Carolina) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $83,560 |
| 2023 | $91,100 |
| 2024 | $94,580 |
| 2025 | $92,940 |
| 2026 (projected) | $92,940 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | North Carolina Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $83,560 | $88,771 |
| 2023 | $91,100 | $93,040 |
| 2024 | $94,580 | $95,329 |
| 2025 | $92,940 | $98,754 |
| 2026 (projected) | $92,940 | $98,754 |
Occupational Therapist Salary by Experience Level in North Carolina
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $77,510 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $92,940 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $104,820 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $118,300 |
Occupational Therapist Salary in Other States
Related Occupational Therapist Salaries in North Carolina
How other high-demand occupations in North Carolina compare to Occupational Therapist ($92,940 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Occupational Therapist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surgeon in NC | $398,410 | +328.7% | $191.54/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in NC | $339,350 | +265.1% | $163.15/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in NC | $289,780 | +211.8% | $139.32/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in NC | $224,610 | +141.7% | $107.99/hr |
| Podiatrist in NC | $215,420 | +131.8% | $103.57/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in NC | $215,230 | +131.6% | $103.48/hr |
| Dentist in NC | $207,000 | +122.7% | $99.52/hr |
| Pediatrician in NC | $183,550 | +97.5% | $88.25/hr |
| Psychiatrist in NC | $168,880 | +81.7% | $81.19/hr |
| Optometrist in NC | $161,560 | +73.8% | $77.67/hr |
| Pharmacist in NC | $138,860 | +49.4% | $66.76/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in NC | $134,540 | +44.8% | $64.68/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an Occupational Therapist make in North Carolina?
- The median salary for an Occupational Therapist in North Carolina is $92,940 per year, which averages out to $45 per hour. This means that half of Occupational Therapists in the state earn more than this, while half earn less.
What is the salary range for Occupational Therapists in North Carolina?
- In North Carolina, the salary range for Occupational Therapists is quite broad, from $62,230 on the lower end to $118,300 for the highest earners. This range reflects differences in experience, location, and employer.
Is the salary for Occupational Therapists in North Carolina higher or lower than the national average?
- Occupational Therapists in North Carolina earn 5.9% less than the national average salary. While the national median is approximately $98,760, North Carolina's median stands at $92,940 annually.
How many Occupational Therapists are employed in North Carolina?
- There are approximately 4,490 Occupational Therapists currently employed in North Carolina. This figure represents the total number of individuals working in this profession within the state.