Occupational Therapists Salary Guide 2025: $100,330 Median, Fast Growth
Occupational therapists earn a national median salary of $100,330 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That works out to roughly $48 an hour. The middle 80% of OTs earn between $71,690 and $131,950, with top earners breaking $132,000.
How much Occupational Therapists earn
The BLS reports a mean annual wage of $101,280 for occupational therapists as of May 2023 (latest data). Newly licensed OTs typically start around the 10th percentile ($71,690), while experienced practitioners in high-paying settings can reach $131,950 or more.
Pay varies by work setting. The highest-paid OTs are in home health care services (mean $112,500), followed by nursing facilities ($107,400). Schools and early intervention programs tend to pay below the median.
Geographic location also drives pay — more on that below.
Pay by state
Where you practice has a huge impact on your OT salary. The five highest-paying states are California ($124,510 mean), Oregon ($112,310), Nevada ($110,520), District of Columbia ($109,170), and Washington ($107,670).
On the other end, the lowest-paying states include Maine ($84,310), New Hampshire ($83,900), and North Dakota ($83,200). Keep in mind these are state-wide averages; salaries within a state can vary by city and cost of living.
How to become an Occupational Therapist
Becoming an OT requires a master's degree from an accredited occupational therapy program. Most programs take 2–3 years and require a bachelor's (any major) with prerequisite courses in anatomy, psychology, and statistics.
After graduating, you must pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam to become an OTR (registered occupational therapist). Every state then requires a license to practice; requirements vary but typically include graduation from an accredited program, passing the NBCOT, and completing supervised fieldwork (usually 24 weeks).
A few states also require periodic continuing education to maintain licensure.
- Earn a master's or doctoral degree in occupational therapy from an ACOTE-accredited program
- Complete 24 weeks of supervised fieldwork (Level I and Level II)
- Pass the NBCOT certification exam
- Apply for state licensure through your state's occupational therapy board
Job outlook
The BLS projects employment of occupational therapists will grow 13.8% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations. That translates to about 10,200 openings per year over the decade.
Much of the demand is driven by the aging baby-boom population — who often need OT services for stroke rehabilitation, fall recovery, and arthritis management — and by increasing awareness that occupational therapy helps children with developmental disabilities and mental health conditions succeed in school and daily life.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an Occupational Therapist make in 2025?
The national median salary is $100,330 per year. The typical range is $71,690 to $131,950, according to BLS May 2023 data.
What steps are needed to become an Occupational Therapist?
You need a master's degree in occupational therapy (2–3 years), 24 weeks of supervised fieldwork, passage of the NBCOT certification exam, and a state license.
Is Occupational Therapy a growing career?
Yes. The BLS projects 13.8% growth from 2024 to 2034, much faster than average. About 10,200 new OT jobs open each year due to growth and replacement.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Occupational Therapists data.