Occupational Therapists’ Salaries Across the United States: A State-by-State Breakdown
Occupational therapists (OTs) are healthcare professionals who assist individuals in regaining or improving their ability to perform daily tasks after injuries or disabilities. Their salaries vary across the United States, influenced by factors such as location, experience, and demand. Below is a breakdown of the average salaries for occupational therapists in each state.
Alabama
- Average Salary: $80,000
Occupational therapists in Alabama earn a comfortable wage, with demand particularly in rural areas where healthcare professionals are in high need.
Alaska
- Average Salary: $95,000
Alaska offers high salaries due to its remote locations and fewer healthcare professionals, leading to higher demand and compensation.
Arizona
- Average Salary: $85,000
The state’s diverse population and large number of healthcare facilities contribute to a steady demand for OTs, resulting in competitive salaries.
Arkansas
- Average Salary: $75,000
Salaries in Arkansas are lower compared to the national average, reflecting the state’s lower cost of living and less competition for OT positions.
California
- Average Salary: $110,000
With a high cost of living and a large population, California offers some of the highest salaries for OTs, especially in urban areas like Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Colorado
- Average Salary: $90,000
Colorado’s growing population and active lifestyle culture mean there’s steady demand for OTs, with a competitive salary range.
Connecticut
- Average Salary: $85,000
OTs in Connecticut enjoy a moderate salary range, with opportunities in both public healthcare and private practice.
Delaware
- Average Salary: $80,000
Occupational therapists in Delaware earn solid wages, with demand particularly in specialized pediatric and geriatric care.
Florida
- Average Salary: $78,000
Salaries in Florida are lower than in some other states, but the state’s large elderly population provides consistent work opportunities in OT roles.
Georgia
- Average Salary: $82,000
Occupational therapists in Georgia can expect average wages, though salaries in metropolitan areas like Atlanta may be higher due to demand in various healthcare sectors.
Hawaii
- Average Salary: $95,000
With a unique and growing healthcare market, Hawaii offers higher-than-average salaries to attract skilled OTs to its islands.
Idaho
- Average Salary: $80,000
Idaho offers moderate pay for OTs, with a growing need for healthcare professionals in both urban and rural areas.
Illinois
- Average Salary: $85,000
The demand for OTs in Illinois is driven by large urban areas like Chicago, where the cost of living is higher, thus leading to increased salaries.
Indiana
- Average Salary: $78,000
Salaries in Indiana are relatively lower, but the state offers a good balance of cost of living and employment opportunities in healthcare.
Iowa
- Average Salary: $80,000
In Iowa, occupational therapists can expect salaries that align with the national average, with opportunities across both urban and rural healthcare settings.
Kansas
- Average Salary: $76,000
Kansas offers lower salaries in comparison to many states, but it remains an affordable state for those looking to live and work.
Kentucky
- Average Salary: $78,000
Kentucky has a steady demand for OTs, and while salaries aren’t as high as in coastal states, the cost of living makes it an attractive option.
Louisiana
- Average Salary: $80,000
Louisiana offers moderate salaries for OTs, with opportunities particularly in rehabilitation centers and schools.
Maine
- Average Salary: $83,000
OT salaries in Maine are competitive due to demand in rural areas where healthcare professionals are in short supply.
Maryland
- Average Salary: $90,000
Maryland offers higher-than-average salaries for OTs, particularly in and around the Washington D.C. area.
Massachusetts
- Average Salary: $95,000
In Massachusetts, OTs can expect some of the highest wages in the country, especially in major cities like Boston, where the cost of living drives up compensation.
Michigan
- Average Salary: $82,000
Michigan’s occupational therapists benefit from steady demand in healthcare, though salaries can vary depending on whether you are working in a large city or rural area.
Minnesota
- Average Salary: $85,000
With a strong healthcare system and a relatively low cost of living, Minnesota offers competitive salaries for OTs across the state.
Mississippi
- Average Salary: $75,000
Mississippi offers some of the lowest salaries for OTs in the U.S., reflecting the state’s lower cost of living and healthcare demand.
Missouri
- Average Salary: $80,000
OT salaries in Missouri are on par with the national average, with many opportunities available in both urban and rural healthcare settings.
Montana
- Average Salary: $85,000
In Montana, occupational therapists are in demand, particularly in rural areas where the healthcare workforce is limited.
Nebraska
- Average Salary: $78,000
Nebraska offers moderate salaries for OTs, with most demand in suburban and rural regions.
Nevada
- Average Salary: $92,000
Salaries in Nevada tend to be higher due to the state’s healthcare infrastructure and growing population.
New Hampshire
- Average Salary: $85,000
With a relatively high cost of living in New Hampshire, OTs earn competitive salaries in the state’s robust healthcare system.
New Jersey
- Average Salary: $90,000
Occupational therapists in New Jersey, particularly in the Newark and Jersey City areas, earn competitive wages due to the high demand in urban healthcare settings.
New Mexico
- Average Salary: $78,000
While salaries may be slightly lower, the growing demand for healthcare professionals across New Mexico has resulted in steady opportunities for OTs.
New York
- Average Salary: $105,000
New York is one of the highest-paying states for occupational therapists, especially in New York City, where the demand for healthcare professionals is high.
North Carolina
- Average Salary: $80,000
North Carolina offers moderate salaries with growth potential in its expanding healthcare market.
North Dakota
- Average Salary: $77,000
North Dakota has lower-than-average salaries for OTs, but it offers a stable job market with opportunities in schools and rehabilitation centers.
Ohio
- Average Salary: $80,000
Salaries in Ohio are moderate, but the state’s large healthcare sector offers a wide range of job opportunities.
Oklahoma
- Average Salary: $78,000
Occupational therapists in Oklahoma earn a good salary relative to the state’s lower cost of living.
Oregon
- Average Salary: $92,000
With its thriving healthcare sector and strong demand in urban centers like Portland, Oregon offers competitive wages for OTs.
Pennsylvania
- Average Salary: $85,000
Pennsylvania offers average salaries, with higher pay in metropolitan areas such as Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
Rhode Island
- Average Salary: $85,000
As a smaller state with a strong healthcare system, Rhode Island offers moderate salaries for occupational therapists.
South Carolina
- Average Salary: $80,000
Salaries in South Carolina are similar to the national average, with opportunities in both urban and rural settings.
South Dakota
- Average Salary: $75,000
Occupational therapists in South Dakota can expect slightly lower wages, but the demand for healthcare professionals is strong.
Tennessee
- Average Salary: $81,000
Tennessee offers good pay for OTs, especially in cities like Nashville, where the healthcare sector is growing rapidly.
Texas
- Average Salary: $87,000
Texas offers a competitive salary range for OTs, particularly in large cities like Houston and Dallas, which have a high demand for healthcare professionals.
Utah
- Average Salary: $90,000
With a growing population and a need for healthcare services, Utah offers solid salaries for OTs, particularly in metropolitan areas.
Vermont
- Average Salary: $80,000
Salaries in Vermont are on par with national averages, and the state’s focus on rural healthcare contributes to a stable job market for OTs.
Virginia
- Average Salary: $88,000
Virginia offers competitive wages, particularly in suburban areas close to Washington, D.C., where the demand for healthcare professionals is high.
Washington
- Average Salary: $95,000
With a strong healthcare infrastructure and a high cost of living, Washington offers high salaries for OTs, especially in cities like Seattle.
West Virginia
- Average Salary: $75,000
Salaries for OTs in West Virginia tend to be lower due to the state’s lower cost of living, but there are still many job opportunities.
Wisconsin
- Average Salary: $85,000
With a robust healthcare system, Wisconsin offers competitive salaries for OTs, particularly in larger cities like Milwaukee and Madison.
Wyoming
- Average Salary: $80,000
Occupational therapists in Wyoming earn moderate wages, with demand growing in rural areas due to the limited healthcare workforce.
