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Occupational Therapist salary
Occupational therapists help patients recover and develop the skills needed for daily living and working.
Median annual
$96,000
Median hourly
$46
Top 10% earn
$124,000+
Salary range
Bottom 10%$71,000
Median$96,000
Top 10%$124,000
Occupational Therapist salary by experience level
How pay typically progresses from a first job to a senior role, modelled from the reported national pay distribution.
| Experience | Years | Annual | Hourly | vs median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry level | 0–2 years | $75,000 | $36 | -22% |
| Early career | 2–5 years | $86,800 | $42 | -10% |
| Mid career | 5–10 years | $100,400 | $48 | +5% |
| Senior / experienced | 10+ years | $116,600 | $56 | +21% |
- Entry level: Starting pay for newly qualified occupational therapists, before specialisation or overtime.
- Early career: Pay rises quickly once you can work independently and take on harder assignments.
- Mid career: Most workers sit around this level, often with a specialism or a first supervisory role.
- Senior / experienced: Lead, senior or management roles, plus the highest-paying employers and locations.
Career details
Education
Master's degree in occupational therapy plus state licensure.
Job outlook
11% growth through 2033 — much faster than average.
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