Average Salary for an Occupational Therapist in the USA 2025: Pay by Experience Levels, Top States & How to Earn More
In 2025, the salary for an Occupational Therapist will play a huge role in career choices.
"These healthcare workers help people of all ages get back their daily living skills after injury, illness, or disability.
They work in hospitals, schools, rehab centers, and home care settings."
The job market for occupational therapists is growing fast. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says this field will grow 11% from 2023 to 2033. This is much faster than most other jobs. With an aging population and more people needing rehab services, demand keeps rising.
Some states pay much more than others. Your years of experience can make a big difference, too.
This blog will show you the real numbers behind occupational therapist salaries.
We will cover average pay, salary ranges by experience, and the best-paying states. You will also learn practical tips to boost your income. We answer common questions like whether salaries include benefits, how taxes work, and what bonuses look like.
Understanding these salary facts helps you make smart career moves. Whether you are just starting out or have years of experience, this guide gives you the data you need.
Similar healthcare roles like physical therapists and speech therapists also see strong growth, but occupational therapy has its own unique pay patterns.
Average Salary for an Occupational Therapist in the USA
$103,200 per year (Average)
Based on data from several global salary surveys and government statistics, we calculated this average from multiple sources.
Recent data shows occupational therapists earn between $102,238 and $108,123 per year on average. We combined numbers from major job platforms and official government reports to get this figure.
The current average salary shows a slight increase from 2024, when the median was around $98,340. This 5% growth reflects strong demand for occupational therapy services and healthcare worker shortages in many areas.
Salary for an Occupational Therapist Key Metrics 2025
Average salary: $103,200 per year based on multiple salary platforms, including recent reports showing ranges from $102,238 to $108,123
Salary range: $58,000 to $109,480 per year, with entry-level positions starting around $79,290 and experienced professionals earning up to $97,000 at the 90th percentile
Salary by experience: According to many USA salary surveys, entry-level occupational therapists earn $65,000-$75,000 yearly. Mid-level professionals with 3-7 years make $85,000-$95,000. Senior therapists with 8+ years can earn $100,000-$115,000 annually.
75th percentile: $109,480 per year according to government wage statistics, meaning 25% of occupational therapists earn more than this amount
Based on U.S. data sources and surveys, location and specialty area greatly impact these numbers. Hospital settings often pay more than school-based positions. Private practice and home health roles show wide variation in pay.
Salary for an Occupational Therapist: Regional Comparison
Location makes a huge difference in occupational therapist pay. Cost of living, state regulations, and healthcare demand all affect salaries. Urban areas typically pay more than rural regions, but living costs are higher too. Some states pay 13% above the national average.
Here's how salaries compare across major regions:
Data comes from government employment statistics and major salary survey platforms.
California ranks as the state with the highest employment level, with 12,470 employed occupational therapists.
When comparing value, consider both salary and living costs. States like Washington and California offer high pay but expensive housing. Mid-tier states may provide better overall value for your income level.
7 Tips to Grow Your Occupational Therapist Salary
1. Get Advanced Certifications: Specialty certifications can boost your salary by 10-15% according to healthcare career reports. Popular certifications include hand therapy, pediatrics, or mental health specialties. Employers value these skills and pay premium rates.
2. Pursue a Doctoral Degree: Many programs now require a doctoral degree for new graduates. Current therapists with master's degrees can earn more by completing a post-professional doctorate. This can add $8,000-$12,000 to your annual salary.
3. Work in High-Paying Settings: Gerontology offers the highest hourly rates at $40.01 per hour. Hospitals and skilled nursing facilities typically pay more than schools or outpatient clinics. Home health and travel therapy also offer premium rates.
4. Gain Leadership Experience: Move into supervisory roles, quality improvement, or administrative positions. These roles can increase your salary by 15-25%. Look for opportunities to lead teams or manage programs.
5. Consider Travel Therapy: Travel occupational therapists earn higher hourly rates plus benefits like housing and meal allowances. This can boost total compensation by 20-30% compared to permanent positions.
6. Build Specialized Skills: Focus on high-demand areas like hand therapy, driving rehabilitation, or assistive technology. These specialties command higher rates due to the limited qualified professionals. Physical therapists and speech-language pathologists also see similar benefits from specialization.
7. Negotiate Your Salary: Research local market rates before job interviews. Use salary data to support your requests. Many employers have flexibility in their offers, especially in areas with therapist shortages.
FAQs | Occupational Therapist's Salary
What is the average salary for an Occupational Therapist in 2025?
The average salary ranges from $102,238 to $108,123 per year based on multiple salary platforms. This equals about $49-$52 per hour for full-time work.
Is the average salary for an Occupational Therapist before or after taxes?
All salary figures shown are gross annual income before taxes. Your take-home pay will be lower after federal, state, and local taxes are removed.
Do Occupational Therapists' salaries include bonuses and benefits?
No, these base salary figures do not include bonuses, health insurance, retirement contributions, or other benefits. Many employers offer additional compensation packages worth 20-30% of base salary.
How much do entry-level Occupational Therapists make?
New graduates typically earn around $79,290 per year, according to government wage data. This can vary significantly by location and work setting.
What states pay Occupational Therapists the most?
Washington, New York, and California offer the highest average salaries, with some paying 13% above the national average. However, consider living costs when evaluating these opportunities.
How does experience affect an Occupational Therapist's salary?
The top 25% of earners make $109,480 or more annually. Senior therapists with 10+ years typically earn 35-45% more than new graduates.
Do Occupational Therapists get paid holidays and vacation time?
Yes, most full-time positions include paid time off. Typical packages offer 15-25 vacation days plus major holidays. This varies by employer and experience level.
What work settings pay Occupational Therapists the highest salary?
Specialized fields like gerontology offer the highest hourly rates. Hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and private practice often pay more than school-based positions.
How does an Occupational therapist's salary compare to similar healthcare jobs?
Occupational therapists earn similar amounts to physical therapists and slightly more than speech-language pathologists. All three fields show strong job growth and competitive pay.
Can Occupational Therapists earn six-figure salaries?
Yes, experienced therapists in high-paying states and specialties can earn $100,000+ annually. The top 25% of earners exceed $109,480 per year.
How often do Occupational Therapist salaries increase?
Most employers provide annual cost-of-living increases of 2-4%. Promotional increases and specialty certifications can provide larger salary bumps of 8-15%.
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