Occupational therapists help individuals with physical, cognitive, developmental, or emotional challenges develop or regain the skills needed for daily living and working.
They work in hospitals, schools, outpatient clinics, home health settings, and skilled nursing facilities.
As of 2026, the median annual wage for occupational therapists is approximately $96,370 per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, placing OT among the well-compensated allied health professions.
For close allied health salary comparisons, the physical therapist salary (~$97,720), the speech therapist salary (~$84,140), and the audiologist salary (~$82,680) reflect the broader rehabilitation and communication health peer group.
Occupational Therapist Salary Overview
The BLS reports a median annual wage of approximately $96,370 for occupational therapists. The bottom 10% earn approximately $64,000, while the top 10% earn more than $127,000. Home health services and nursing care facilities typically pay OTs above the overall median.
OT's median salary of ~$96,000 compares favorably to other allied health master's-level professions.
The dietitian salary (~$69,680) and the radiation therapist salary (~$91,620) sit below OT in the salary hierarchy, while the nurse practitioner salary (~$121,000) sits above — reflecting the doctoral-level training and prescriptive authority that NPs hold.
OTs who enter management, specialize in hand therapy, or build private practices can push earnings toward or above $120,000.
For a complete breakdown of how any hourly wage in these ranges translates to annual, monthly, weekly, and after-tax take-home, see our hourly-to-annual salary conversion guides.
Salary by Work Setting
Home health care and nursing care facilities tend to offer the highest OT wages, often above $100,000.
Hospitals and outpatient clinics pay near the median.
Schools employ a significant share of OTs with pediatric focus; school-based OT salaries may be somewhat below the clinical median but include academic-year schedules and public benefits.
OTs working in home health or skilled nursing settings often earn above-median pay partly because these settings are understaffed and use per-diem or contract work to fill gaps — which can pay premium rates.
Contract travel OT positions through staffing agencies can offer $100,000–$140,000+ in total annual income for mobile therapists.
Travel OTs should carefully evaluate costs relative to target locations, including the cost of living in California and cost of living in Alaska, two common high-need, high-pay markets.
Education and Licensing Requirements
Occupational therapists must complete an accredited master's or doctoral OT program (the entry-level OTD doctoral degree is becoming the standard) and pass the national NBCOT (National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy) exam.
State licensure is required to practice.
The OTR/L credential (Occupational Therapist Registered/Licensed) is the standard designation.
OT graduate programs typically result in $80,000–$120,000 in student loan debt for many graduates.
New OTs should understand the student loan interest deduction and evaluate whether Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) applies if working in qualifying hospital or school settings.
Early career OTs can also benefit from opening a Roth IRA as soon as they begin earning attending-level income — contributing during the lower-income early years builds tax-free growth for decades.
Job Outlook
The BLS projects employment of OTs to grow by approximately 12% through 2032, faster than the national average. An aging population requiring rehabilitation and assistive technology adaptation, along with expanding mental health and school-based services, drives strong demand.
The 12% growth projection and consistent demand across settings make OT one of the more employment-stable allied health professions.
OTs who invest in board specialty certifications — such as the Specialty Certification in Hand Therapy (CHT) or Specialty Certification in Gerontology — position themselves for higher pay and career advancement.
High-earning OTs should also review their retirement savings targets and consider whether they are contributing enough to a 401(k) or 403(b) to meet long-term goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median salary for an occupational therapist in 2026?
The median annual wage is approximately $96,370 per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Is OT a well-paying career?
Yes. OT offers above-median compensation relative to all healthcare professions, with a median close to $100,000, good job growth, and diverse practice settings.
What degree is required to become an OT?
A master's degree in occupational therapy is the minimum; the entry-level OTD (Occupational Therapy Doctorate) is becoming the standard. NBCOT certification and state licensure are required for practice.
Where do occupational therapists earn the most?
Nevada, California, and New Jersey typically report the highest OT wages. Home health and SNF settings generally offer above-median pay compared to other OT settings. OTs evaluating California positions should weigh the cost of living in California against the nominal salary when comparing offers.
How does OT salary compare to PT salary?
Physical therapists have a BLS median of approximately $97,720, very close to OT.
Both are well-paid allied health doctoral professions with strong job outlooks.
OTs interested in understanding how their pay compares broadly across the health professions might also review the cardiac sonographer salary and dietitian salary for additional context on the allied health pay spectrum.
Sources & References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Therapists — https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/occupational-therapists.htm
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — Occupational Therapists — https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes291122.htm
- National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy — OTR Certification — https://www.nbcot.org/
Last updated: April 27, 2026