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How much does a Occupational Therapist make?

The average salary for a Occupational Therapist is $102,583 per year in the US.

Occupational Therapists help people of all ages improve their ability to perform daily tasks. They work with those who face physical, developmental, or emotional challenges. This career path offers a range of earnings. Entry-level therapists can expect to make around $57,313 per year. With more experience, salaries can rise significantly.

An Occupational Therapist with about five years in the field might earn between $79,620 and $90,773 annually. Those with over ten years of experience can expect to earn more than $101,926 each year. The average yearly salary for an Occupational Therapist stands at $102,583. This means many in this profession can look forward to steady growth and good pay as they gain experience.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Occupational Therapist?

Occupational therapists can find great pay in several California cities. Salinas, CA, offers the highest average salary at $126,383. Other top cities include Modesto, Sacramento, and Santa Rosa, all offering over $124,000 annually. These cities provide excellent opportunities for those in the field. The demand for skilled occupational therapists remains strong in these areas. San Jose, Chico, San Francisco, Riverside, Santa Maria, and Vallejo also have competitive salaries. Each city presents a chance for therapists to thrive in a rewarding career.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Occupational Therapist jobs, highlighting Salinas, CA with the highest at $126,383 and Vallejo, CA with the lowest at $119,746.
  1. Salinas, CA
    Average Salary: $126,383
    Salinas offers a welcoming environment for therapists to make a difference. With prominent healthcare facilities like Kaiser Permanente, Salinas Valley Health provides opportunities to work with diverse communities. The city's focus on healthcare growth creates a stable career path.
    Find Occupational Therapist jobs in Salinas, CA


  2. Modesto, CA
    Average Salary: $125,891
    Modesto has seen a rise in demand for rehabilitation services. Working with organizations like Adventist Health, therapists here enjoy a supportive community. The area's diverse population allows for a rich, varied practice.
    Find Occupational Therapist jobs in Modesto, CA


  3. Sacramento, CA
    Average Salary: $124,841
    Sacramento, the state capital, has numerous opportunities for those in therapy. Large employers such as UC Davis Health offer advanced practice settings. The city’s focus on healthcare innovation provides a dynamic work environment.
    Find Occupational Therapist jobs in Sacramento, CA


  4. Santa Rosa, CA
    Average Salary: $124,492
    Santa Rosa boasts a strong healthcare sector with employers like Sutter Health. Therapists here benefit from a vibrant community and beautiful surroundings. The city’s emphasis on quality care creates a rewarding career.
    Find Occupational Therapist jobs in Santa Rosa, CA


  5. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $124,263
    San Jose's tech-driven economy also needs therapists for rehabilitation. Working with companies like El Camino Health, therapists can find fulfilling roles. The city’s diverse population offers a varied and interesting practice.
    Find Occupational Therapist jobs in San Jose, CA


  6. Chico, CA
    Average Salary: $123,551
    Chico offers a peaceful setting with opportunities at Encompass Health. The city’s community-focused environment makes it a great place for therapists. Working in Chico means contributing to a close-knit community.
    Find Occupational Therapist jobs in Chico, CA


  7. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $122,795
    San Francisco provides a vibrant setting for therapy professionals. Major employers like UCSF Health offer diverse experiences. The city’s innovative spirit provides many opportunities to grow and excel.
    Find Occupational Therapist jobs in San Francisco, CA


  8. Riverside, CA
    Average Salary: $121,598
    Riverside has a strong healthcare system with facilities like Riverside University Health System. Therapists here work in a growing community. The city’s commitment to healthcare creates a stable and rewarding career.
    Find Occupational Therapist jobs in Riverside, CA


  9. Santa Maria, CA
    Average Salary: $121,407
    Santa Maria offers a small-town feel with opportunities at Marian Regional Medical Center. Therapists here enjoy a supportive community. The city's focus on quality care makes it an excellent place to work.
    Find Occupational Therapist jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  10. Vallejo, CA
    Average Salary: $119,746
    Vallejo provides a diverse practice environment with employers like Kaiser Permanente. Therapists here benefit from a vibrant community. The city’s focus on healthcare excellence offers many career opportunities.
    Find Occupational Therapist jobs in Vallejo, CA

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

Occupational therapists can find rewarding careers with several top-paying companies. Best Home Health Providers offers an average salary of $255,303, making it a leading choice. Other high-paying employers include Halcyon Home, with an average salary of $220,000, and Hamaspik of Kings County, which pays $216,806 on average.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Occupational Therapist jobs, highlighting Best Home Health Providers with the highest at $255,303 and Bridge Home Health and Hospice with the lowest at $184,162.
  1. Best Home Health Providers
    Average Salary: $255,303
    Best Home Health Providers offers top-notch Occupational Therapist jobs with competitive salaries. They serve various locations across the country, providing care where it's most needed.


  2. Halcyon Home
    Average Salary: $220,000
    Halcyon Home provides rewarding opportunities for Occupational Therapists. They focus on delivering high-quality care in multiple states, making it a sought-after employer.


  3. Hamaspik of Kings County
    Average Salary: $216,806
    Hamaspik of Kings County values its Occupational Therapists, offering good salaries and a supportive work environment. They operate in New York, providing essential services to the community.


  4. Ability Therapy, Inc.
    Average Salary: $216,111
    Ability Therapy, Inc. offers competitive salaries for Occupational Therapists. They provide services in several locations, ensuring access to quality care for many people.


  5. Royal Care Certified Home Health Care
    Average Salary: $194,688
    Royal Care Certified Home Health Care provides promising job opportunities for Occupational Therapists. They serve diverse areas, making a difference in patients' lives daily.


  6. New York Therapy Placement Services, Inc.
    Average Salary: $193,114
    New York Therapy Placement Services, Inc. is a reliable choice for Occupational Therapists. They offer stable employment and are based in New York, with a strong focus on patient care.


  7. White Glove Community Care
    Average Salary: $192,164
    White Glove Community Care provides excellent benefits and salaries for Occupational Therapists. They operate in various locations, delivering compassionate care to those in need.


  8. Omni Therapy
    Average Salary: $190,000
    Omni Therapy offers competitive salaries for Occupational Therapists. They have a presence in multiple regions, dedicated to improving patients' quality of life.


  9. LifeCare of Florida, LLC
    Average Salary: $190,000
    LifeCare of Florida, LLC provides rewarding Occupational Therapist positions with competitive pay. They serve Florida and surrounding areas, committed to patient care excellence.


  10. Bridge Home Health and Hospice
    Average Salary: $184,162
    Bridge Home Health and Hospice offers fulfilling Occupational Therapist roles. They operate in various states, focusing on providing essential home health services to patients.

How to earn more as a Occupational Therapist?

Occupational therapists can find several ways to increase their earnings. Focusing on specific areas can lead to higher-paying opportunities. Specialization often requires additional training and certification but can significantly boost income. For instance, pediatric occupational therapy and hand therapy are among the highest-paying specialties.

Gaining experience is another key factor. Occupational therapists with more years of experience often command higher salaries. Working in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, schools, or private practices, can also lead to better pay. Networking and building relationships within the industry can open up opportunities for higher-paying positions. Continuing education and staying updated with the latest practices in occupational therapy can also lead to more lucrative job offers.

Consider these factors to maximize earnings:

  1. Specialization in a high-demand area
  2. Accumulating more experience
  3. Gaining diverse work experience
  4. Building a strong professional network
  5. Pursuing continuing education

Currently 11,652 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.
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Occupational Therapist
11,652 Job Openings