Occupational therapy (OT) is often lauded as a rewarding and flexible healthcare career. OTs profoundly impact patients’ lives while also enjoying a stable income. This guide dives deep into the complex world of occupational therapy salaries, answering the critical question: “How Much Does An Ot Make?”. Whether you’re considering a career in OT, evaluating your first job options, or simply curious about how your salary compares, this comprehensive resource offers valuable insights into OT compensation.
It’s crucial for OTs to prioritize their own well-being, including financial health, to provide the best possible care. OT can be a demanding profession, so fair compensation is essential. Understanding your market value empowers you to negotiate your salary confidently and ensures you’re adequately compensated for your hard work. Let’s explore the factors influencing OT salaries and how to maximize your earning potential.
Average OT Salary: An In-Depth Look
To get a clear picture of how much does an OT make, it is helpful to examine various data sources to arrive at an average.
Calculating the Average OT Salary
Different organizations use various methods to collect and analyze OT salary data. These methods account for factors like location, experience, certifications, and specialization. Each data source has its own biases based on data submission, resource usage, and data collection methods.
Understanding the nuances between median and mean salaries is vital. The median salary represents the middle value in a data set, while the mean (average) salary is calculated by summing all salaries and dividing by the total number. Outliers, such as part-time or PRN positions, can skew the mean salary.
OT Salary According to Different Sources
Here’s a breakdown of OT salaries from various reputable sources:
- OT Potential Calculation: $98,833 (average of multiple sources)
- Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): $96,370 (median annual pay in 2023)
- Glassdoor: $123,753 (mean annual pay as of 2024)
- Salary.com: $100,480 (average OT salary as of November 1, 2024)
- American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA): $74,731 (median annual pay in 2023)
Alternative text: AOTA salary survey data, visualizing how occupational therapist pay varies with experience level.
The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) also highlights that experience significantly impacts earning potential. A new OT with less than a year of experience made a median salary of $65,000 in 2018, while an experienced OT with 26+ years earned $84,000.
OT Salaries by State
Geographic location significantly influences OT salaries. The BLS identifies Nevada, California, New Jersey, Texas, and New Mexico as high-paying states. However, considering the cost of living is crucial.
| State | Annual Mean OT Salary |
|---|---|
| California | $113,550 |
| New York | $107,530 |
| Nevada | $107,070 |
| New Jersey | $105,880 |
| Colorado | $104,950 |
| Virginia | $102,550 |
| Washington | $101,780 |
| Maryland | $101,710 |
| Texas | $101,610 |
| Oregon | $100,910 |
| New Mexico | $100,740 |
| District of Columbia | $100,430 |
| Hawaii | $99,490 |
| Alaska | $98,960 |
| Georgia | $98,490 |
| Oklahoma | $97,850 |
| Connecticut | $96,220 |
| Illinois | $96,160 |
| Rhode Island | $95,660 |
| Alabama | $94,680 |
| Massachusetts | $94,340 |
| Delaware | $94,180 |
| Arizona | $93,600 |
| Louisiana | $93,110 |
| Pennsylvania | $92,870 |
| Florida | $92,820 |
| Tennessee | $92,710 |
| Arkansas | $92,680 |
| Kansas | $92,510 |
| Mississippi | $90,510 |
| Idaho | $89,550 |
| Ohio | $89,490 |
| Indiana | $88,700 |
| South Carolina | $88,520 |
| North Carolina | $88,510 |
| Missouri | $87,970 |
| Nebraska | $87,710 |
| New Hampshire | $87,690 |
| West Virginia | $87,460 |
| Montana | $87,380 |
| Kentucky | $86,860 |
| Vermont | $86,370 |
| Minnesota | $85,840 |
| Iowa | $85,790 |
| Utah | $85,750 |
| Wisconsin | $85,030 |
| Wyoming | $84,690 |
| Michigan | $84,560 |
| North Dakota | $82,450 |
| South Dakota | $81,610 |
| Maine | $80,590 |
| Puerto Rico | $47,660 |
States like Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Alabama, and Arkansas offer the highest value for OT salaries when adjusted for cost of living.
Do OTs Earn a Competitive Income?
Whether OTs make “a lot of money” is subjective. Compared to the average annual salary in the US, OT salaries are significantly higher. However, when compared to radiologists or software engineers, OT salaries may seem less substantial. It’s essential to consider individual financial circumstances, such as student loan debt.
New OT graduates generally earn competitive starting salaries, but income growth may not be as rapid as in other industries.
Entry-Level OT Salaries
The entry-level OT salary varies based on location, setting, patient population, work hours, and negotiation skills. According to the AOTA, the median salary for a new grad OT is $65,000 per year. However, settings like SNFs or home health and travel OT positions can offer higher starting salaries.
Highest and Lowest Paying OT Jobs
To further help answer “How much does an OT make?”, it is helpful to examine the different types of employment. Research and development, home health, and skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) typically offer the highest pay for OTs. Conversely, mental health and adult day care settings tend to offer the lowest compensation, although these settings can be highly fulfilling and may have less productivity pressure.
Salary Growth Potential for OTs
While OT starting salaries are often attractive, raises may be less impressive than in other fields. This can be frustrating, particularly for OTs with high debt burdens. However, the U.S. Department of Labor projects OT jobs to grow by 11.2% between 2022 and 2032, indicating continued demand for OT professionals.
OT vs. PT Salaries
The average physical therapist (PT) salary is $99,710, slightly higher than the average OT salary. The difference is minimal. Choosing the profession that aligns with your interests is more important, as factors like education, location, and experience have a greater impact on earning potential.
Maximizing Your OT Salary
There are several strategies to increase your earning potential as an OT:
-
Choose a High-Paying Setting: SNFs and home health settings generally pay more than schools and hospitals.
Industry Median OT Salaries Nursing care facilities (SNFs) $95,220 Home healthcare services $92,490 General medical and surgical hospitals $87,470 Offices of other health practitioners (including private practices) $86,260 Elementary and secondary schools $75,480
Alternative text: Visual chart showing median annual salaries for occupational therapists in different work settings, highlighting the variations across the industry.
-
Specialize: Certain certifications, such as Certified Hand Therapist (CHT), can increase your earning potential. Emerging specialties like pelvic health also offer opportunities for higher compensation.
-
Explore Non-Traditional OT Jobs: Academia, research, and executive leadership positions can pay better than clinical work.
-
Consider Travel OT: Travel OT positions often pay more than permanent roles, offering higher weekly pay.
Travel OT pay across all states and settings averages about $1,952 per week as of 2024.
-
Work PRN: Per diem (PRN) positions offer higher hourly rates but may lack guaranteed hours and benefits.
-
Negotiate Your OT Salary: Research comparable positions, understand market conditions, and advocate for your worth.
Tips for Negotiating Your OT Salary:
- Research comparable positions and salary ranges.
- Highlight your unique skills and experience.
- Be confident and assertive in your negotiation.
- Be willing to negotiate non-salary benefits, such as:
- Additional paid time off
- Continuing education opportunities
- Student loan repayment assistance
Conclusion: How Much Does an OT Make?
Understanding the factors influencing occupational therapy salaries is crucial for making informed career decisions. While salary is important, consider factors like job satisfaction and work-life balance. Ultimately, the goal is to find a fulfilling and financially rewarding career path within the field of occupational therapy.
For those seeking to advance their OT careers or explore new opportunities, resources like the OT Potential Club and OT Jobs Page provide valuable support and guidance.
