How much does a Occupational Therapist make?
Occupational therapists help people of all ages live life to the fullest by improving their ability to do daily tasks. This job can be very rewarding. It also comes with a good salary. The average yearly salary for occupational therapists is $101,919. This means most occupational therapists earn between $73,182 and $137,273 each year.
These figures show that many occupational therapists earn a solid income. The lowest-paid 10% make around $62,500 a year. The highest-paid 10% make over $169,000 annually. This range offers plenty of opportunity for growth and advancement. With experience and additional training, occupational therapists can often increase their earnings.
What are the highest paying cities for a Occupational Therapist?
-
Modesto, CA
Average Salary: $126,558
In Modesto, therapists often work in local hospitals and rehabilitation centers. The city offers a range of opportunities to help patients recover and improve their daily living skills. Companies like Encompass Health and Select Medical provide solid career paths.
Find Occupational Therapist jobs in Modesto, CA
-
Salinas, CA
Average Salary: $124,718
Salinas offers a vibrant community where therapists can make a big difference in people’s lives. This city has various healthcare facilities where you can use your skills to assist patients. Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System is a notable employer in the area.
Find Occupational Therapist jobs in Salinas, CA
-
Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $123,569
Working as a therapist in Sacramento means being part of a bustling healthcare scene. You will collaborate with other professionals in large hospitals and specialized clinics. Kaiser Permanente and UC Davis Health are some of the top places to work here.
Find Occupational Therapist jobs in Sacramento, CA
-
Santa Rosa, CA
Average Salary: $122,719
Santa Rosa provides a supportive environment for therapists to thrive. The city's healthcare facilities focus on community health, offering diverse experiences. Sutter Health and Kaiser Permanente are prominent employers in the area.
Find Occupational Therapist jobs in Santa Rosa, CA
-
Chico, CA
Average Salary: $122,648
Chico’s smaller size offers a tight-knit community feel. Therapists here often work in local clinics and schools. Encompass Health and Dignity Health provide opportunities to make a direct impact on patients’ lives.
Find Occupational Therapist jobs in Chico, CA
-
San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $121,842
San Jose offers a dynamic setting for therapists, with many tech companies needing specialized care. The city’s healthcare sector is growing, with companies like Stanford Health Care and Kaiser Permanente offering excellent opportunities.
Find Occupational Therapist jobs in San Jose, CA
-
San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $121,497
In San Francisco, therapists find a fast-paced environment with numerous healthcare providers. The city is known for its innovation in healthcare, offering many opportunities to advance your career. UCSF Health and Kaiser Permanente are top employers.
Find Occupational Therapist jobs in San Francisco, CA
-
Riverside, CA
Average Salary: $120,096
Riverside provides a balanced setting where therapists can work in both urban and suburban areas. The city’s healthcare facilities focus on community care, offering various experiences. Loma Linda University Health and Kaiser Permanente are notable employers.
Find Occupational Therapist jobs in Riverside, CA
-
Stockton, CA
Average Salary: $118,886
Stockton offers a community-focused environment for therapists. The city's healthcare providers focus on patient care, offering many opportunities to help people. Sutter Health and Kaiser Permanente are key employers in the area.
Find Occupational Therapist jobs in Stockton, CA
-
Vallejo, CA
Average Salary: $117,351
Vallejo provides a supportive community where therapists can make a significant impact. The city’s healthcare facilities focus on quality patient care, offering diverse experiences. Kaiser Permanente and Northern California Veterans Health System are leading employers.
Find Occupational Therapist jobs in Vallejo, CA
What are the best companies a Occupational Therapist can work for?
-
Pete Health
Average Salary: $400,000
Pete Health offers top-tier salaries for Occupational Therapists. The company operates nationwide, providing services in various states. They focus on delivering personalized care and promoting healthy lifestyles.
-
Best Home Health Providers
Average Salary: $255,303
Best Home Health Providers pays well for Occupational Therapists. They operate in several regions, offering a wide range of home health services. The company values skilled therapists who provide excellent care to clients.
-
HealthONE
Average Salary: $241,115
HealthONE provides competitive salaries for Occupational Therapists. The company serves multiple locations, focusing on comprehensive healthcare services. They emphasize teamwork and patient-centered care.
-
Ability Therapy, Inc.
Average Salary: $214,474
Ability Therapy, Inc. offers good pay for Occupational Therapists. They operate in various cities, providing specialized therapy services. The company values therapists who are dedicated to improving patient outcomes.
-
Hamaspik of Kings County
Average Salary: $214,352
Hamaspik of Kings County provides a solid salary for Occupational Therapists. The company focuses on community health services, operating in several locations. They look for therapists who are passionate about serving their community.
-
White Glove Community Care
Average Salary: $198,072
White Glove Community Care offers a respectable salary for Occupational Therapists. They serve multiple locations, emphasizing personalized care. The company seeks skilled therapists who are committed to enhancing patient lives.
-
Omni Therapy
Average Salary: $192,081
Omni Therapy provides a competitive salary for Occupational Therapists. The company operates in various states, offering a range of therapy services. They value therapists who are dedicated to helping clients achieve their goals.
-
LifeCare of Florida, LLC
Average Salary: $190,000
LifeCare of Florida, LLC offers good compensation for Occupational Therapists. They serve multiple locations in Florida, focusing on home health and rehabilitation services. The company looks for therapists who are committed to quality care.
-
Royal Care Certified Home Health Care
Average Salary: $187,857
Royal Care Certified Home Health Care provides a solid salary for Occupational Therapists. The company serves several locations, emphasizing personalized care. They seek therapists who are dedicated to improving patient lives.
-
Achieve Beyond Pediatric Therapy and Autism Services
Average Salary: $180,301
Achieve Beyond Pediatric Therapy and Autism Services offers a competitive salary for Occupational Therapists. The company operates in multiple areas, focusing on pediatric care. They look for therapists who are passionate about making a difference in children's lives.
How to earn more as a Occupational Therapist?
Occupational Therapists have the opportunity to enhance their earnings through various strategies. Gaining specialized certifications can increase one’s market value, leading to higher pay. These certifications focus on areas like pediatrics, gerontology, or hand therapy, which can attract employers willing to pay a premium for specialized skills.
Another factor is gaining experience and advancing to senior positions. Experienced Occupational Therapists often earn more than their entry-level counterparts. Leadership roles, such as department heads or clinical managers, offer significant salary increases. These positions require overseeing therapy programs, managing staff, and driving patient outcomes. Continuing education and attending workshops can open doors to these advanced roles. The following factors can further boost earnings:
- Specialized Certifications: Obtain certifications in areas like pediatrics or hand therapy to increase market value.
- Advanced Degrees: Pursue a Master’s or Doctorate to qualify for higher-paying roles.
- Geographic Location: Work in areas with higher living costs and greater demand for therapists.
- Private Practice: Starting a private practice can lead to higher earnings compared to working for a single employer.
- Continuous Education: Attend workshops and conferences to stay updated and improve skills.
