Occupational Therapist Salary Guide 2026: OT Pay by State
Occupational therapy is a growing field with strong compensation in 2026. As healthcare increasingly emphasizes functional outcomes and quality of life, OTs are in high demand across acute care, rehabilitation, pediatric, and home health settings.
OT Salary Overview for 2026
Occupational therapists in 2026 earn between $80,000 and $110,000 nationally. Salaries vary based on practice setting, specialization, geographic location, and years of experience. Travel OT positions and leadership roles can push earnings higher.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Years | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level | 0-2 years | $70,000 – $82,000 |
| Mid-Career | 3-7 years | $82,000 – $96,000 |
| Senior | 8-15 years | $95,000 – $110,000 |
| Director/Manager | 15+ years | $105,000 – $130,000 |
Top 5 Highest-Paying States for OTs
| State | Average OT Salary |
|---|---|
| California | $115,000 |
| New Jersey | $108,000 |
| Nevada | $105,000 |
| Connecticut | $102,000 |
| Texas | $100,000 |
OT Practice Settings and Pay
Acute care and skilled nursing facility OTs tend to earn the highest salaries among clinical positions. School-based OTs benefit from school schedules and summers off but typically earn less. Home health OT positions offer per-visit pay models that can result in strong hourly compensation for efficient therapists. Pediatric OT remains popular despite somewhat lower average pay compared to adult rehabilitation settings.
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Specialty certifications from AOTA in areas like hand therapy (CHT), driving rehabilitation, or low vision can increase earning potential by 10-15%. Transitioning into management or program director roles offers the highest compensation ceiling. Travel OT assignments provide another path to higher earnings with added flexibility.
OTs frequently collaborate with nursing teams and physicians in rehabilitation settings. NurseSend provides salary data for the nursing professionals who work alongside OTs, while RecruitPhysician covers physician compensation in physiatry and orthopedics.
Find OT Positions on HealthTal
Searching for occupational therapist opportunities with competitive compensation? Search the HealthTal database to find OT positions across every practice setting and state, with transparent salary information.
The HealthTal team covers healthcare recruitment trends, healthcare workforce insights, and data-driven hiring strategies.