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Occupational therapists (OTs) can look forward to a positive job outlook and lucrative salaries. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects demand for OTs to grow by 14% between 2021 and 2031. While this expectation suggests plentiful opportunities for skilled OTs in the coming years, you should still ensure your clinical skills are up to par and your compensation is competitive compared to similar OT jobs. This guide provides detailed occupational therapist salary information to help maximize your earnings as you advance your career and positively impact your patients’ lives.
Becoming an Occupational Therapist
Becoming an Occupational Therapist
Occupational therapists are allied health professionals with graduate-level education and training. You must earn national board certification and a license in the state where you want to work. All 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam and Puerto Rico require OTs to be licensed before providing occupational therapy services. Each state also has varyingscopes of practice for OTs.
To become an OT, you must:
Complete an accredited program in occupational therapy and earn a master’s degree or Doctorate of Occupational Therapy (OTD). An OTD is a clinical doctorate and differs from a research-based Ph.D.
Pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam to earn your Occupational Therapist Registered certification.
Apply for a state license to practice. Some states require you to pass an additional exam to ensure you understand local regulations.
Average Occupational Therapist Salary
Average Occupational Therapist Salary
$54.20/hour
The average salary for a Occupational Therapist is $54.20 per hour. This is 6% higher than the therapy US average of $50.97.
Last updated on July 13, 2024. Based on active jobs on Vivian.com.
Salaries for Occupational Therapist compared to Therapist National Averages
Salaries for Occupational Therapist compared to Therapist National Averages
$54.20/hour
6% higher than the therapy US average.
$50.97/hour
United States
Where do Occupational Therapists get paid the most?
Where do Occupational Therapists get paid the most?
| State | Average Hourly Salary | Max Hourly Salary |
|---|---|---|
| California | $65 | $79 |
| Idaho | $62 | $62 |
| Maryland | $59 | $68 |
| New York | $55 | $61 |
| Oregon | $53 | $62 |
| Virginia | $53 | $67 |
| Georgia | $50 | $58 |
| Pennsylvania | $49 | $62 |
| Texas | $46 | $53 |
| Washington | $42 | $46 |
| North Carolina | $40 | $40 |
| Michigan | $24 | $37 |
What are the highest paying Employers and Agencies for Occupational Therapist jobs?
What are the highest paying Employers and Agencies for Occupational Therapist jobs?
| Average Hourly Salary | Max Hourly Salary | |
|---|---|---|
| $200 | $200 | |
| Sutter Health | $63 | $68 |
| Community Health System | $53 | $53 |
| Inova Health System | $53 | $53 |
| Adventist Health | $52 | $52 |
| Stability Direct | $51 | $53 |
| St. Luke's Health System | $50 | $50 |
| AccentCare | $49 | $49 |
| Atrium Health Charlotte | $49 | $49 |
Last updated on July 13, 2024. Information based on active jobs on Vivian.com and pay data from BLS and around the web.
Occupational Therapist Career Guide
Use our exclusive Career Guides to research the education, qualifications, skills and responsibilities for a variety of healthcare disciplines and specialties employers are hiring now.
Go to the guideTop Occupational Therapist Jobs
View job details
Staff Position
Home Health Occupational Therapist
- Saint Francis Health System
- Tulsa, OK
$40+/hour
Apply now
Posted11 hours ago
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Staff Position
Home Health Occupational Therapist
- Alternate Solutions Health Network LLC
- Kettering, OH
$55-82/per visit
Apply now
Posted11 hours ago
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Staff Position
Home Health Occupational Therapist
- Alternate Solutions Health Network LLC
- Detroit, MI
$35-82/per visit
Apply now
Posted11 hours ago
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Staff Position
Home Health Occupational Therapist
- Alternate Solutions Health Network LLC
- Zanesville, OH
$55-82/per visit
Apply now
Posted11 hours ago
View job details
Staff Position
Outpatient Occupational Therapist
- Saint Francis Health System
- Tulsa, OK
$40+/hour
Apply now
Posted14 hours ago
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How to Improve Your Occupational Therapist Salary
How to Improve Your Occupational Therapist Salary
Work as a Per Diem OT
Some healthcare facilities hire OTs on an as-needed basis. You’re not always guaranteed work, but per diem positions pay a higher wage if you’re available to cover shifts.Per diem occupational therapist jobslisted on Vivian on January 11, 2023, were paying an average of $64 per hour and as high as $78 per hour.
You won’t receive benefits or paid time off in a per diem position, but it can be a great way to boost your income. OTs who work in schools can pick up per diem shifts during summers and holidays. You can even combine a per diem position with travel OT jobs, working when you return home from a travel assignment.
Earn Advanced Certification
Demonstrate your expertise and knowledge by earning advanced certification for niche patient populations. You can distinguish yourself for coveted OT jobs by adding further education and credentials to your resume, paving the way to more senior roles and higher pay.
The AOTA offers thefollowing advanced certification exams:
Board Certification in Pediatrics
Board Certification in Physical Rehabilitation
Board Certification in Gerontology
You may be eligible to test for these credentials if you’re a certified, licensed occupational therapist in good standing and have at least:
3 years of experience as an occupational therapist
3,000 hours of experience in the certification area in the last 5 years
500 hours of experience delivering occupational therapy services to clients in the last 5 years
Consider Cost of Living
While you might be drawn to high-paying occupational therapist jobs in states such as Washington or New York, keep in mind that you’ll also be paying more out of pocket if it’s an expensive state in which to live. A large portion of your salary may go to housing, groceries, transportation and other basic living costs.
You may stretch your dollars further by factoring in the cost of living when considering a job, thus improving your salary in a roundabout way. For example, in Oklahoma, the average OT salary is $88,200 annually, per May 2021 BLS data. While this is just 1.4% lower than the nationwide average of $89,470.Oklahoma is one of the most affordable states to live in, with an overall cost of living 17.8% lower than the U.S. average, according to Sperling’s Best Places. Always run the numbers to see if a job with a lower average salary in a more affordable state actually leaves more money in your pocket in the long run.
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Occupational Therapist FAQs
What professional certifications can potentially increase my salary as a Occupational Therapy Assistant?
What professional certifications can potentially increase my salary as a Occupational Therapy Assistant?
Earning your Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA) often increases your salary potential as a occupational therapy assistant or makes you eligible for another position with greater responsibilities, which also might include a bump in wages.
Can having a Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA) boost my salary as a Occupational Therapy Assistant?
Can having a Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA) boost my salary as a Occupational Therapy Assistant?
Yes, having a Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA) or any relevant professional certification has the potential to boost your salary as a occupational therapy assistant.
Where can I learn more about working as a Occupational Therapist?
Where can I learn more about working as a Occupational Therapist?
Take a look at Vivian's Occupational Therapist Career Guide for more information, including required education, responsibilities, pros and cons and more.
