How Much Does an Occupational Therapist Make in 2025?
Occupational therapists (OT) formulate and implement treatment plans to assist patients in enhancing or preserving daily functioning abilities. They could work in rehabilitation centers and evaluate patient capabilities and requirements via assessments and interviews. Also, part of their daily tasks is to provide guidance on adaptive devices and instruct on their practical application methods.
As demand for skilled occupational therapists increases, salaries are also rising. As of August 7, 2025, the average OT salary is $107,620 per year. However, the occupational therapy salary can vary based on various factors, which will be discussed later.
What is the Average Occupational Therapist's Salary?
The average occupational therapist salary in the United States is $107,620 per year, as of August 7, 2025. For the hourly wage, occupational therapists have an average salary of $52 per hour with rates ranging from $44 to $59 per hour.
2025 Occupational Therapist Average Salary: $107,620 per year ($52 per hour)
Meanwhile, the weekly and monthly annual salaries for an occupational therapist are $2,070 and $8,968, respectively.
What is the Pay Range for an Occupational Therapist?
According to a recent report, the salary range for occupational therapists starts at $91,878 and can reach as high as $123,190 per year, with most earnings falling between $99,380 and $115,770 per year.
However, as mentioned earlier, the salary range for occupational therapists varies based on occupational therapy education, experience level, and location.
Occupational Therapist Salary Range: $91,878 to $123,190 per year ($44 to $59 per hour)
| Percentile | By Hour | By Week | By Month | By Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $44 | $1,767 | $7,656 | $91,878 |
| 25th Percentile | $48 | $1,911 | $8,282 | $99,380 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $52 | $2,070 | $8,968 | $107,620 |
| 75th Percentile | $56 | $2,226 | $9,648 | $115,770 |
| 90th Percentile | $59 | $2,369 | $10,266 | $123,190 |
Occupational Therapist Salary Factors
Several aspects affect an occupational therapist's salary, such as education, location, experience, account size, and specialized skills. Here's how each one impacts pay.
Years of Experience
The average occupational therapist salary varies by experience, ranging from $104,914 per year for entry-level positions to $111,877 per year for expert-level occupational therapists with over eight years of experience.
| Level | Years of Experience | Average Salary (Per Year) |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level Occupational Therapist | Less than 1 | $104,914 |
| Intermediate Level Occupational Therapist | 1-2 | $105,160 |
| Senior Occupational Therapist | 2-4 | $108,228 |
| Specialist Level Occupational Therapist | 5-8 | $111,634 |
| Expert Level Occupational Therapist | 8+ | $111,877 |
Place of Work
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the industry or workplace of this job title can also affect their salary. For example, occupational therapists working in high-paying industries can earn much more than their peers in other sectors. Occupational therapists in nursing care facilities earn $103,210 or more annually, while those in home healthcare services make around $103,010.
| Place of Work | Median Annual Wages |
|---|---|
| Nursing care facilities (skilled nursing facilities) | $103,210 |
| Home healthcare services | $103,010 |
| Hospitals; state, local, and private | $100,770 |
| Offices of physical, occupational, and speech therapists, and audiologists | $96,380 |
Skill Set
An occupational therapist with skills needed in high demand can boost their salaries. The Real-Time Job Posting Salary Data report shows that those with treatment and care planning skills can earn 9.17% more than those without.
An occupational therapist with patient safety skills is also likely to see a 9.04% increase, followed by pain management.
| Skill | Demand | Salary Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Treatment and Care Planning | 10.40% | +9.17% |
| Patient Safety | 10.60% | +9.04% |
| Pain Management | 10.30% | +8.85% |
| Home Care Operations | 10.10% | +7.97% |
| Hospice Care | 10.50% | +7.94% |
| Healthcare Policy and Ethics Compliance | 10.30% | +7.54% |
Occupational Therapist Salary by City and State
An occupational therapist's location can impact their salary. This helps in spotting pay trends, negotiating better pay, or planning a career in healthcare settings.
Highest Paying States for Occupational Therapists
Based on Salary.com data, the District of Columbia offers the highest earning potential for this job title in the United States, at $119,160 per year, followed by California at $118,710.
- District of Columbia: $119,160
- California: $118,710
- Massachusetts: $117,120
- Washington: $116,690
- New Jersey: $116,650
Occupational Therapists Salary by State
| State/Territory | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Alaska | $116,500 |
| Alabama | $98,870 |
| Arkansas | $97,230 |
| Arizona | $104,870 |
| California | $118,710 |
| Colorado | $109,810 |
| Connecticut | $115,020 |
| District of Columbia | $119,160 |
| Delaware | $108,990 |
| Florida | $101,830 |
| Georgia | $103,800 |
| Hawaii | $112,490 |
| Iowa | $102,990 |
| Idaho | $100,470 |
| Illinois | $109,700 |
| Indiana | $103,310 |
| Kansas | $102,480 |
| Kentucky | $101,270 |
| Louisiana | $102,330 |
| Massachusetts | $117,120 |
| Maryland | $110,970 |
| Maine | $104,930 |
| Michigan | $105,990 |
| Minnesota | $110,130 |
| Missouri | $102,250 |
| Mississippi | $95,980 |
| Montana | $101,610 |
| North Carolina | $102,270 |
| North Dakota | $106,310 |
| Nebraska | $101,390 |
| New Hampshire | $108,800 |
| New Jersey | $116,650 |
| New Mexico | $99,680 |
| Nevada | $106,510 |
| New York | $114,410 |
| Ohio | $104,790 |
| Oklahoma | $99,510 |
| Oregon | $109,290 |
| Pennsylvania | $107,140 |
| Rhode Island | $111,580 |
| South Carolina | $100,840 |
| South Dakota | $97,810 |
| Tennessee | $100,570 |
| Texas | $104,970 |
| Utah | $103,060 |
| Virginia | $108,380 |
| Vermont | $105,630 |
| Washington | $116,690 |
| Wisconsin | $105,870 |
| West Virginia | $96,910 |
| Wyoming | $103,210 |
Highest Paying Cities for Occupational Therapists
Salary.com data shows that San Jose, California offers the highest salary for occupational therapists at $135,740 per year or $65 per hour. The top six highest paying OT jobs by city are:
- San Jose, California: $135,740 ($65 per hour)
- San Francisco, California: $134,410 ($65 per hour)
- Oakland, California: $131,430 ($63 per hour)
- New York, New York: $124,720 ($60 per hour)
- Queens Village, New York: $123,920 ($60 per hour)
- Paramus, New Jersey: $123,050 ($59 per hour)
Ways to Increase Your Salary as an Occupational Therapist
Occupational therapists can boost their actual earnings by gaining experience, developing in-demand skills, and advancing within their roles.
- Get license and certifications: OT salaries could also depend on educational settings. The job role often requires a master's degree in occupational therapy to pursue the profession. Continuing education and an entry into a graduate program in occupational therapy necessitates a bachelor's degree, while it is not required to be in a specific discipline. Master's degree programs sometimes necessitate that applicants have finished courses inclined with OT specialty, and various other scientific disciplines. To practice, state licensure is required in all U.S. states, and most states require passing the National Certification Examination administered by NBCOT.
- Develop high-demand skills: Focus on skills that employers value most for occupational therapists. Occupational therapists with treatment and care planning skills can earn 9.17% more, while patient safety and pain management can boost pay by 9.04% and 8.85%, respectively. Other valuable skills include home care operations and hospice care, offering salary increases of 7.97% and 7.94%, respectively. Many of these skills can be developed or refined through specialized training programs, or professional development courses.
- Negotiate your compensation and other incentives: Know the salary trends in your state. OT salary data indicates that the role earns $107,620 median annual wage and occupational therapists in the District of Columbia earn about $119,160, while those in Massachusetts earn around $117,120. When asking for a raise, mention your learned skills, especially those that are considered highly in-demand, including your training and certifications.
- Work in high-paying industry: According to BLS, the industry you work in can significantly impact your earnings. Occupational therapists working in nursing care facilities earn $103,210, while those in home healthcare services make around $103,010.
- Choose high-paying cities: Relocating to cities with higher salaries for the job role can be beneficial. Reports from Salary.com indicates that San Jose, California offers about $135,740 for occupational therapist, while in San Francisco and Oakland they earn $134,410 and $131,430, respectively. Occupational therapy is a strong OT career path with robust job outlook and competitive salaries. Those seeking to enter the field should research occupational employment trends to make informed career decisions. The field is also attractive for job seekers due to its stability and growth opportunities in physical rehabilitation and beyond.
Average National Salaries by Source
As of August 7, 2025, data from five major salary-reporting websites indicate that the national average salary for an occupational therapist in the United States is $91,185 (unweighted).
SALARY.COM AVG. SALARY
$107,620 / year
INDEED.COM AVG. SALARY
$94,393 / year
GLASSDOOR AVG. SALARY
$108,000 / year
PAYSCALE AVG. SALARY
$73,856/ year
ZIPRECRUITER AVG. SALARY
$83,624 / year
