Occupational Therapist Salaries

Updated on Jan 08, 2025
Position
Salary

How much does a Occupational Therapist make?

The average salary for a Occupational Therapist is $97,951 per year in the US.

Occupational therapists play a vital role in helping individuals improve their daily activities and overall quality of life. In terms of salary, occupational therapists earn a competitive income. The average yearly salary for an occupational therapist is around $97,951. However, actual earnings can vary based on experience and location.


Entry-level occupational therapists typically earn around $62,000. With more experience, salaries can rise significantly. For those with several years of experience, salaries can reach around $89,545 or even higher. Experienced professionals can enjoy salaries well over $100,000, with some earning up to $163,000 annually.


This career not only offers a fulfilling opportunity to help others but also provides a promising financial outlook for those in the field.

View Occupational Therapist Jobs Nearby

What are the highest paying cities for a Occupational Therapist?

Occupational therapists can find some of the highest salaries in California cities. Modesto leads the way with an impressive average salary of $125,400, followed closely by Chico and Salinas with averages around $119,700 and $116,400, respectively. Other notable cities include Stockton and Sacramento, offering competitive salaries that also reflect the strong demand for these professionals.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Occupational Therapist jobs, highlighting Modesto, CA with the highest at $125,400 and Santa Maria, CA with the lowest at $109,975.
  1. Modesto, CA
    Average Salary: $125,400
    In Modesto, professionals in this field find opportunities in various healthcare settings, including local hospitals and rehabilitation centers. Working with diverse patient populations, you can make a significant impact on their recovery and well-being.
    Find Occupational Therapist jobs in Modesto, CA


  2. Chico, CA
    Average Salary: $119,708
    Chico offers a supportive community for those practicing in this area. With several clinics and schools nearby, practitioners help individuals overcome physical challenges and enhance their daily living skills.
    Find Occupational Therapist jobs in Chico, CA


  3. Salinas, CA
    Average Salary: $116,362
    Salinas features a growing demand for skilled experts in this profession. Hospitals and outpatient facilities provide excellent platforms for making a difference in patients' lives, particularly for those recovering from injuries.
    Find Occupational Therapist jobs in Salinas, CA


  4. Stockton, CA
    Average Salary: $116,218
    In Stockton, individuals in this field engage with a variety of patients, including children and seniors. The local healthcare facilities foster collaboration and innovation, giving you the chance to deliver tailored care.
    Find Occupational Therapist jobs in Stockton, CA


  5. Sacramento, CA
    Average Salary: $115,588
    Sacramento hosts a vibrant healthcare sector, with numerous job openings in hospitals and private practices. Practitioners here benefit from a dynamic work environment and opportunities for professional development.
    Find Occupational Therapist jobs in Sacramento, CA


  6. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $115,202
    San Francisco stands out with its innovative healthcare landscape. Working in this city allows you to collaborate with cutting-edge organizations and contribute to advanced treatment methods for diverse populations.
    Find Occupational Therapist jobs in San Francisco, CA


  7. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $114,009
    San Jose offers a rich array of job opportunities in various settings, including schools and rehabilitation centers. Professionals find fulfillment in helping patients regain independence and improve their quality of life.
    Find Occupational Therapist jobs in San Jose, CA


  8. Santa Rosa, CA
    Average Salary: $112,781
    Santa Rosa boasts a welcoming community for those in this field. The local healthcare organizations provide supportive environments where you can help patients regain strength and confidence.
    Find Occupational Therapist jobs in Santa Rosa, CA


  9. Vallejo, CA
    Average Salary: $112,242
    In Vallejo, professionals make a lasting impact by helping individuals with rehabilitation needs. The area’s healthcare facilities encourage a collaborative approach to treatment and patient care.
    Find Occupational Therapist jobs in Vallejo, CA


  10. Santa Maria, CA
    Average Salary: $109,975
    Santa Maria presents a charming environment for practicing in this field. Local clinics and healthcare centers provide ample opportunities to support patients in achieving their rehabilitation goals.
    Find Occupational Therapist jobs in Santa Maria, CA

What are the best companies a Occupational Therapist can work for?

Occupational Therapist jobs offer impressive salaries, especially with leading companies like Pete Health, which boasts an average salary of $400,000. HealthONE follows closely, with an average of $380,241. Other companies, such as Best Home Health Providers and White Glove Placement, also provide competitive pay, making them great options for job seekers in this field.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Occupational Therapist jobs, highlighting Pete Health with the highest at $400,000 and Rehab at Home Healthcare Services with the lowest at $178,667.
  1. Pete Health
    Average Salary: $400,000
    Pete Health offers competitive salaries for Occupational Therapists, especially in urban areas. The company focuses on providing excellent care in locations across the country, creating a supportive environment for both therapists and patients.


  2. HealthONE
    Average Salary: $380,241
    HealthONE provides Occupational Therapists with opportunities to work in various hospitals and outpatient centers throughout the Denver area. The company emphasizes teamwork and professional growth, making it a great place for passionate therapists.


  3. Best Home Health Providers
    Average Salary: $213,039
    Best Home Health Providers focuses on home-based therapy services. Therapists work closely with patients in comfortable settings, mainly in suburban neighborhoods. The company values flexibility and offers competitive benefits.


  4. White Glove Placement, Inc.
    Average Salary: $207,684
    White Glove Placement, Inc. specializes in connecting Occupational Therapists with varied clinical settings. They operate in major cities, offering a range of employment options with attractive salary packages and comprehensive support.


  5. Omni Therapy
    Average Salary: $204,493
    Omni Therapy provides innovative outpatient services for Occupational Therapists. They have multiple locations that empower therapists to deliver excellent care while enjoying a solid pay structure and career advancement opportunities.


  6. White Glove Community Care
    Average Salary: $202,033
    White Glove Community Care focuses on enhancing the lives of clients through personalized therapy. Occupational Therapists can work in various environments, mostly across urban settings, with competitive salaries and supportive teams.


  7. CarePine Home Health
    Average Salary: $200,000
    CarePine Home Health employs Occupational Therapists to work with patients right in their homes. The company operates in many regions, emphasizing a collaborative approach to therapy and providing reasonable salaries.


  8. Premier Home Health Providers, Inc.
    Average Salary: $200,000
    Premier Home Health Providers, Inc. offers flexible work arrangements for Occupational Therapists. They operate in various communities, allowing therapists to provide personalized care while enjoying attractive salary offers.


  9. Ability Therapy, Inc.
    Average Salary: $198,125
    Ability Therapy, Inc. focuses on providing therapy services in local clinics and schools. Occupational Therapists enjoy working in familiar environments while receiving competitive pay and opportunities for professional growth.


  10. Rehab at Home Healthcare Services
    Average Salary: $178,667
    Rehab at Home Healthcare Services employs Occupational Therapists to provide in-home therapy. They operate in diverse locations, focusing on patients' comfort and recovery while offering solid compensation and benefits.

How to earn more as a Occupational Therapist?

Occupational Therapists can increase their earnings by focusing on a few key factors. By understanding and implementing these strategies, you can create more opportunities for financial success in your career.

  • Specialization: Choose a specific area within occupational therapy, like pediatrics or geriatrics. Specializing can make you more desirable to employers and allow you to command higher pay.
  • Advanced Certifications: Obtain additional certifications relevant to your field. Certifications show your commitment and expertise, which can lead to better job offers and higher salaries.
  • Networking: Build connections with other professionals in your field. Networking can lead to new job opportunities or collaborations that enhance your earnings.
  • Continuing Education: Stay updated with the latest trends and techniques through workshops and courses. Continuing education helps you maintain a competitive edge and may qualify you for higher-paying positions.
  • Work Setting: Explore different work environments. Occupational therapists can work in schools, hospitals, or private practices. Some settings offer higher wages than others.

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Currently 12,390 Occupational Therapist job openings, nationwide!

How's the job market for a Occupational Therapist in the US?

Learn what a Occupational Therapist does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Occupational Therapist today.
Position
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Occupational Therapist
12,390 Job Openings