Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2021
29-1122 Occupational Therapists
Assess, plan, and organize rehabilitative programs that help build or restore vocational, homemaking, and daily living skills, as well as general independence, to persons with disabilities or developmental delays. Use therapeutic techniques, adapt the individual’s environment, teach skills, and modify specific tasks that present barriers to the individual. Excludes “Rehabilitation Counselors” (21-1015).
National estimates for Occupational Therapists
Industry profile for Occupational Therapists
Geographic profile for Occupational Therapists
National estimates for Occupational Therapists:
Employment estimate and mean wage estimates for Occupational Therapists:
Employment (1) Employment
RSE (3) Mean hourly
wage Mean annual
wage (2) Wage RSE (3) 127,830 1.3 % $ 43.02 $ 89,470 0.8 %
Percentile wage estimates for Occupational Therapists:
Percentile 10% 25% 50%
(Median) 75% 90% Hourly Wage $ 29.17 $ 36.40 $ 41.14 $ 48.31 $ 59.54 Annual Wage (2) $ 60,680 $ 75,710 $ 85,570 $ 100,490 $ 123,840
Industry profile for Occupational Therapists:
Industries with the highest published employment and wages for Occupational Therapists are provided. For a list of all industries with employment in Occupational Therapists, see the Create Customized Tables function.
Industries with the highest levels of employment in Occupational Therapists:
Industries with the highest concentration of employment in Occupational Therapists:
Top paying industries for Occupational Therapists:
Geographic profile for Occupational Therapists:
States and areas with the highest published employment, location quotients, and wages for Occupational Therapists are provided. For a list of all areas with employment in Occupational Therapists, see the Create Customized Tables function.
States with the highest employment level in Occupational Therapists:
State Employment (1) Employment per thousand jobs Location quotient (9) Hourly mean wage Annual mean wage (2) California 11,460 0.69 0.76 $ 50.85 $ 105,760 Texas 8,500 0.70 0.77 $ 46.20 $ 96,100 New York 8,320 0.96 1.06 $ 44.80 $ 93,190 Florida 6,770 0.79 0.87 $ 41.65 $ 86,640 Pennsylvania 6,710 1.20 1.32 $ 42.57 $ 88,540
States with the highest concentration of jobs and location quotients in Occupational Therapists:
State Employment (1) Employment per thousand jobs Location quotient (9) Hourly mean wage Annual mean wage (2) Maine 990 1.67 1.84 $ 35.76 $ 74,380 New Hampshire 920 1.45 1.60 $ 39.82 $ 82,820 Connecticut 2,280 1.45 1.60 $ 45.21 $ 94,040 Massachusetts 4,820 1.42 1.57 $ 42.33 $ 88,040 Colorado 3,710 1.41 1.56 $ 44.83 $ 93,250
Top paying states for Occupational Therapists:
Metropolitan areas with the highest employment level in Occupational Therapists:
Metropolitan areas with the highest concentration of jobs and location quotients in Occupational Therapists:
Top paying metropolitan areas for Occupational Therapists:
Nonmetropolitan areas with the highest employment in Occupational Therapists:
Nonmetropolitan areas with the highest concentration of jobs and location quotients in Occupational Therapists:
Top paying nonmetropolitan areas for Occupational Therapists:
About May 2021 National, State, Metropolitan, and Nonmetropolitan Area Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates
These estimates are calculated with data collected from employers in all industry sectors, all metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas, and all states and the District of Columbia. The top employment and wage figures are provided above. The complete list is available in the downloadable XLS files.
The percentile wage estimate is the value of a wage below which a certain percent of workers fall. The median wage is the 50th percentile wage estimate—50 percent of workers earn less than the median and 50 percent of workers earn more than the median. More about percentile wages.
(1) Estimates for detailed occupations do not sum to the totals because the totals include occupations not shown separately. Estimates do not include self-employed workers.
(2) Annual wages have been calculated by multiplying the hourly mean wage by a “year-round, full-time” hours figure of 2,080 hours; for those occupations where there is not an hourly wage published, the annual wage has been directly calculated from the reported survey data.
(3) The relative standard error (RSE) is a measure of the reliability of a survey statistic. The smaller the relative standard error, the more precise the estimate.
(9) The location quotient is the ratio of the area concentration of occupational employment to the national average concentration. A location quotient greater than one indicates the occupation has a higher share of employment than average, and a location quotient less than one indicates the occupation is less prevalent in the area than average.
Other OEWS estimates and related information:
May 2021 National Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates
May 2021 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates
May 2021 Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Area Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates
May 2021 National Industry-Specific Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates
May 2021 Occupation Profiles
Technical Notes
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- Occupational therapists earned a median salary of $85,570 in May 2021.
- Location, industry, and experience can impact salary expectations.
- Nevada reported the highest average occupational therapist salary.
- The home health services industry paid occupational therapists the most in May 2021.
Occupational therapy can help people overcome injury, disability, or illness. Occupational therapists work with patients of all ages, allowing them to adapt their environment or task to their needs.
Becoming an occupational therapist requires earning a graduate degree from an accredited program, passing a national certification exam, and obtaining a state license. Like many healthcare careers, students should attend an accredited program to ensure they meet licensing requirements. Advanced occupational therapy education, location, and professional credentials or specialization can increase occupational therapist salary expectations.
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What Is the Average Occupational Therapist Salary?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median occupational therapist salary in May 2021 was $85,570, though some industries offer much higher pay. This median salary exceeds the median salary for all occupations, which was $45,760 in 2021.
Occupational therapist salary often increases with experience. As of August 2022 Payscale data, entry-level licensed occupational therapists make an average of $34.80 per hour. Those with 5-9 years of experience earn an average of almost $39 per hour.
The occupational therapist’s industry will also affect job opportunities and salary expectations. While healthcare practitioners’ offices offer the most occupational therapist jobs, home healthcare services report the highest average salary of $102,640, as per BLS data.
Job Growth for Occupational Therapists
The BLS projects a 17% increase in occupational therapist jobs from 2020-2030, with about 10,100 job openings each year. Several factors drive the demand for more occupational therapists, including an aging population. The growth in the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder and a move toward holistic, non-invasive treatments to manage chronic conditions are also driving the field’s growth.
How Much Do Occupational Therapists Make By State?
Geographic location can impact occupational therapist salary expectations. Some states may find it challenging to meet the demand for occupational therapists. The cost of living can also lead to higher pay.
Nevada, California, and New Jersey offered high occupational therapist salaries in May 2021, according to the BLS. California and Texas also employ the most occupational therapists to serve their large populations. States in the western portion of the U.S. typically reported higher pay for occupational therapists than states in the Plains, the Midwest and the Southeast.
Occupational Therapist Median Salary by State, 2021 State Annual Mean Wage Alabama $84,710 Alaska $93,440 Arizona $90,520 Arkansas $81,360 California $105,760 Colorado $93,250 Connecticut $94,040 Delaware $88,680 District of Columbia $90,150 Florida $86,640 Georgia $87,250 Hawaii $92,350 Idaho $80,760 Illinois $83,620 Indiana $85,580 Iowa $82,110 Kansas $86,430 Kentucky $81,330 Louisiana $92,230 Maine $74,380 Maryland $86,460 Massachusetts $88,040 Michigan $77,880 Minnesota $80,060 Mississippi $87,420 Missouri $78,990 Montana $82,300 Nebraska $83,710 Nevada $109,010 New Hampshire $82,820 New Jersey $100,140 New Mexico $95,060 New York $93,190 North Carolina $83,580 North Dakota $71,340 Ohio $84,930 Oklahoma $88,200 Oregon $91,730 Pennsylvania $88,540 Rhode Island $92,510 South Carolina $88,180 South Dakota $76,330 Tennessee $87,060 Texas $96,100 Utah $89,480 Vermont $77,740 Virginia $94,950 Washington $92,650 West Virginia $81,860 Wisconsin $76,770 Wyoming $82,170
Source: BLS
Where Can I Make the Most Money as an Occupational Therapist?
Highest-Paying States for Occupational Therapists
Nevada reported the highest average occupational therapist salary at $109,010 in May 2021. Neighboring California and nearby New Mexico also offered top pay. However, according to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center, Nevada reported a cost of living that’s slightly higher than the U.S. average.
State Annual Mean Salary Nevada $109,010 California $105,760 New Jersey $100,140 Texas $96,100 New Mexico $95,060
Source: BLS
Highest-Paying Metropolitan Areas for Occupational Therapists
According to the BLS, the San Jose metropolitan area reported the highest average occupational therapist salary of $121,190 in May 2021. According to Payscale, the cost of living in San Jose is about 53% higher than the U.S. average. In addition, the U.S. Census Bureau reports that San Jose had a median home value of $925,800 from 2016-2020.
Metropolitan Area Annual Mean Salary San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $121,190 San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA $113,210 Santa Rosa, CA $113,190 Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA $111,680 Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, NV $110,640
Source: BLS
Highest-Paying Nonmetropolitan Areas for Occupational Therapists
Occupational therapist jobs in the north coast region of California offer the highest pay for nonmetropolitan areas. Occupational therapists here earned an average salary of $108,170 in May 2021, as per the BLS. However, housing and other expenses make California an expensive place to live. Other nonmetropolitan regions may offer a lower cost of living, especially in the Southeast or Midwest.
Nonmetropolitan Area Annual Mean Salary North Coast Region of California $108,170 North Valley-Northern Mountains Region of California $105,810 Central Louisiana $100,690 Northeast Oklahoma $100,670 Big Thicket Region of Texas $99,280
Source: BLS
Highest-Paying Industries for Occupational Therapists
Occupational therapist jobs in the home healthcare services industry reported the highest average pay of $102,640 in May 2021, according to BLS data. Home health brings occupational therapy to the patient, requiring therapists to travel from place to place. Some occupational therapists may work in company management, earning an average salary of $100,700. Other therapists may work for specialty outpatient care centers, earning an average of $98,120, thanks to specialized experience or training.
Industry Annual Mean Salary Home Healthcare Services $102,640 Management of Companies and Enterprises $100,700 Other Ambulatory Healthcare Services $98,120 Child Day Care Services $97,980 Continuing Care Retirement Communities and Assisted Living Facilities for the Elderly $97,620
Source: BLS
How Can I Increase My Salary as an Occupational Therapist?
Choose a Specialty
An occupational therapist may consider specialty training and professional certification to increase their salary. The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) offers gerontology, pediatrics, and physical rehabilitation certification.
While occupational therapists may seek electives in their specialty area in school, the AOTA does not require specific coursework. Instead, the organization looks at work experience related to the specialization. Much like state licensing, maintaining a professional credential requires continuing education courses.
Home health services, which pay the highest average occupational therapist salary, may prefer occupational therapists who specialize in gerontology. Schools, which pay an average occupational therapist salary of $78,480 as of May 2021, may prefer a pediatric certification.
Consider Travel Occupational Therapy
Like many medical professionals, many areas face a shortage of qualified occupational therapists for available jobs. Travel occupational therapists can help meet these critical needs. Travel occupational therapists often contract with a hospital, skilled nursing facility, or outpatient therapy provider for short-term assignments.
This option offers high earning potential, and some facilities may offer housing. Before practicing in a new state, occupational therapists must apply for a state license. Although, there are efforts to enact an interstate licensure compact, according to the AOTA.
Consider Relocating
Sometimes a move across a state line can increase salary potential. For example, Idaho reports an average occupational therapist salary of $80,760 in May 2021, as per the BLS, but the surrounding states all offer higher average salaries. Look for states with higher salaries, lower cost of living, low unemployment, and a growing population.
Change Industries
Most occupational therapists work in the offices of other health practitioners, such as a rehabilitation practice group. But this industry pays an average occupational therapist salary of $87,690 as of May 2021 BLS data. Home health occupational therapists earned an average of $102,640 the same year.
Frequently Asked Questions About Occupational Therapist Salary
Is becoming an occupational therapist worth it?
Yes. Becoming an occupational therapist requires many years of studying, taking exams, and earning state licensure. However, these medical professionals report high job satisfaction, according to a 2021 review, with growing job opportunities and an above-average salary. Many occupational therapists also find their work fulfilling as they help clients reach goals or overcome challenges.
Where do occupational therapists make the most money?
San Jose, California, offers the nation’s highest average occupational therapist salary at $121,190 as of May 2021 BLS data. Several other California cities also report high average occupational therapist salaries compared to the state average. About 11,460 occupational therapists work in California.
Occupational therapists also make a lot of money in Nevada, specifically the Las Vegas area. According to the BLS, occupational therapist jobs in Las Vegas reported an average pay of $110,640 in May 2021.
Which occupational therapist jobs pay the most?
Occupational therapist jobs in home health services report the highest average pay among industries. Other top-paying industries include management of companies, other outpatient healthcare services, and child day care services.
Health practitioner offices employ the most occupational therapists, with 34,380 occupational therapist jobs as of May 2021 BLS data. These offices include physician groups, rehabilitation practices, and behavioral health facilities.
How can an occupational therapist make more money?
Occupational therapists can increase their salary by gaining more experience, advancing their education, or specializing in a high-need service, such as autism interventions or gerontology. Occupational therapists can pursue professional credentials in pediatrics, gerontology, or physical rehabilitation.
Moving to an area with higher pay can also increase earning potential. Look for areas with high salaries, high job growth, and low cost of living. Occupational therapists can also find jobs in new industries that pay higher salaries, like home health services.
What is the highest salary an occupational therapist can make?
According to the BLS, top-earning occupational therapists reported salaries greater than $123,840 in May 2021. The lowest occupational therapist salaries were less than $60,680.
Higher salaries typically go to occupational therapists with more experience. While Payscale reported an average entry-level salary of about $72,380 per year as of August 2022 for licensed occupational therapists, those with 20 or more years of experience earned an average of about $93,600 per year.
