Occupational Therapist pay
What occupational therapists earn — and keep — in 2026
Occupational therapists (OTs) help patients recover, develop and improve the skills needed for daily living and working in hospitals, schools, home-health and outpatient clinics. The BLS puts the median occupational therapist at $98,340 (May 2024), with the top 10% above $128,000. A master's or doctoral degree plus state licensure is required, and specializing in pediatrics, hand therapy or geriatrics tends to raise pay.
Where a occupational therapist's paycheck goes
On the $98,340 median, a single OT sits in the 22% federal bracket after the standard deduction, plus 6.2% Social Security and 1.45% Medicare. Many hospital and school-system OTs have a 403(b) or 401(k); contributions there are entered in the pre-tax field and lower your federal taxable income.
The highest-paying states for occupational therapists
Wages run highest in California, Nevada, New Jersey, Texas and Arizona. California pays well but taxes heavily, so a strong OT role in no-tax Texas or Washington can leave you with more take-home.
Compare occupational therapist pay with other careers
See how an OT compares with a physical therapist, a registered nurse or a registered dietitian.
Questions
Occupational Therapist Salary Calculator FAQ
How much does an occupational therapist make in 2026?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual wage of $98,340 for occupational therapists (May 2024). The top 10% earn over $128,000. OTs in home-health, skilled-nursing and travel/contract roles, or who specialize in hand therapy or pediatrics, typically earn the most.
What is an occupational therapist's take-home pay on $98,340?
A single OT earning the $98,340 median takes home roughly $77,000 to $79,000 a year after federal income tax and FICA in a no-income-tax state, and a few thousand dollars less where state income tax applies. Enter your own salary and state above for an exact figure.
Do travel occupational therapists earn more?
Often yes. Travel and per-diem OT contracts can pay well above the staff median, sometimes with tax-free stipends for housing and meals. However, 1099 contract OTs owe both halves of FICA, so compare your true net carefully. Enter your annual earnings for the most accurate take-home.
Which states pay occupational therapists the most?
California, Nevada, New Jersey, Texas and Arizona report the highest average OT wages. California pairs high pay with high state income tax, while a high-paying role in a no-tax state like Texas or Washington maximizes take-home.
- Sources: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Occupational Therapists (median $98,340, May 2024) · IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-32 · SSA 2026 wage base · State departments of revenue.
- 🔄 Last updated June 9, 2026 · Tax year 2026
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