Occupational therapists in the US earn a median of $100,330 a year in base pay. The middle half earn between $82,510 and $116,670, and the top 10% earn more than $131,950 (BLS OEWS May 2025). To negotiate, aim for the part of that range that matches your experience — with 3–5 years, for example, $100,000 to $117,000 — and open slightly above it.
How much do occupational therapists make?
| Percentile | Annual base pay |
|---|---|
| 10th | $71,690 |
| 25th | $82,510 |
| Median | $100,330 |
| 75th | $116,670 |
| 90th | $131,950 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 — Occupational Therapists, national, about 162,450 jobs. BLS figures are base pay including commissions and production bonuses; they exclude year-end bonuses, stock, overtime and benefits.
Where occupational therapists earn the most
| State | Median | 75th percentile |
|---|---|---|
| California | $124,510 | $136,380 |
| Oregon | $112,310 | $127,540 |
| Nevada | $110,520 | $127,960 |
| District of Columbia | $109,170 | $125,130 |
| Washington | $107,670 | $127,390 |
Pay also differs within a state — big metro areas often pay more. Use your state's numbers when you set your target.
What should you ask for as a occupational therapist?
| Experience | Suggested target range | Open with about |
|---|---|---|
| 0–2 years | $83,000–$100,000 | $105,000 |
| 3–5 years | $100,000–$117,000 | $123,000 |
| 6–10 years | $107,000–$122,000 | $128,000 |
| 10+ years | $117,000–$132,000 | $139,000 |
The ranges follow national percentiles by experience (25th–50th, 50th–75th, 60th–80th, 75th–90th); the opening number is the top of the range plus about 5%, rounded. Guidance, not a guarantee — check your state and experience, and see how to negotiate salary.
What drives occupational therapist pay?
Occupational therapists help people do everyday activities after illness, injury or with disabilities. Pay depends on the setting — schools, hospitals, skilled nursing, home health, outpatient — and on productivity expectations and per-visit pay models.
- Setting: schools, hospitals, skilled nursing, home health, pediatrics.
- Productivity requirements and documentation time.
- Per-visit pay versus salary in home health.
- Specialty certifications, for example hand therapy.
Your leverage as a occupational therapist
- Pediatric, hand therapy or other specialty experience.
- Ability to build a caseload quickly.
- School-based experience for districts that need it.
- Willingness to cover multiple sites.
- Supervising COTAs or students.
Only use leverage you really have. Never invent a competing offer.
Occupational therapist objections and how to answer
| They say | You can say |
|---|---|
| “School districts pay on a fixed schedule.” | “Which column and step would my [number] years and certification place me in?” |
| “Per-visit pay is standard in home health.” | “At [number] visits a week, what's the annual total, and are mileage and documentation paid?” |
| “Our productivity target is 85%.” | “Could we start at a lower target while I build the caseload?” |
| “We can't add more PTO.” | “Then could we look at a continuing education allowance?” |
Sample counter offer for a occupational therapist
Thank you — I'm excited about the role. With my [specialty] experience and [number] years in [setting], I'm asking for a base of [number], with [amount] for continuing education. The national median for occupational therapists is $100,330.
Then stop talking and let them respond.
Asking for a raise as a occupational therapist
Bring outcomes, caseload growth and any program you built. A specialty certification or supervisory role is the strongest argument for the next step.