Occupational Therapist Salary Reality — What You Actually Take Home
Occupational therapists help patients develop, recover, or maintain skills needed for daily living and working through therapeutic activities.
Data: 2026-Q2 · BLS · HUD · KFFJob outlook: Faster than average (12% growth 2024-2034)
Take-home reality
A occupational therapist earning the national median of $93,180 takes home approximately $6,162/month in a no-tax state and $5,439/month in a high-tax state like California.
The salary reality
An occupational therapist earning the national median of $93,180 has strong purchasing power in most cities.
Where Occupational Therapist Salary Goes Furthest
Where Occupational Therapist Salary Is Most Stretched
Housing context
At median salary, OTs can comfortably afford the median 1BR in most cities outside the highest-cost metros.
Career context
Occupational therapy requires a master's or doctoral degree, with strong demand driven by aging population and increased focus on rehabilitation services.
Income Reality Score — Columbus (best for this career)
Purchasing Power Reality
What a occupational therapist salary feels like in other cities
Occupational Therapist Salary — FAQ
What is the average occupational therapist salary?
The national median is $93,180 per BLS OEWS May 2025.
What education is required?
A master's degree in occupational therapy is the minimum requirement, with some practitioners pursuing doctoral degrees (OTD).
Salary data: BLS OEWS May 2025. This is a picture, not a verdict.