Occupational therapists earned a median $98,340 a year in May 2024, above the $49,500 median for all US workers. There were 160,000 jobs, projected to grow 14% by 2034 (all occupations: 3%).
Understanding the chart
The bar chart above shows median pay for occupational therapists in the US, with one bar for each of the 2 figures. Each bar is labelled with its exact value, and values are median pay a year, in $. The longest bar is the highest. The bars are, in order: Occupational therapists at $98,340; All US workers at $49,500. The data table below the chart lists every value, and you can download the data, embed the chart or share it from the buttons above. The figures cover 2024 (projections to 2034) and come from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook (pay May 2024, projections 2024-34).
Key insights
- Median pay for occupational therapists is 99% higher than the median for all US workers ($49,500).
- It ranks 6th of 80 occupations in Advanton's US industry profiles by pay.
- Projected job growth to 2034 is 14%, above the 3% average for all occupations, ranking 4th of 80.
- With 160,000 jobs, it is the 46th-largest of these occupations.
Analysis
Occupational therapists ($98,340) is 99% higher than All US workers ($49,500), a difference of $48,840.
What it means
For small business owners, pay data sets the starting point for wage budgets: hiring in a well-paid occupation means higher costs but often higher prices for the work. Strong projected growth signals rising demand for the service, which supports new businesses, but also more competition for skilled staff. Check local pay, licensing and training requirements, which vary widely by state.
Related figures
- Speech and occupational therapy practices in the US: jobs, pay and job outlook: $98,340 (median pay a year: occupational therapists). Occupational therapists, the main occupation in speech and occupational therapy practices, earned a median $98,340 a year in May 2024 (all US workers: $49,500).
- Median pay by occupation in US small business industries, 2024: $179,210 (highest: Dentists). Across the 80 occupations behind Advanton's US industry profiles, dentists earn the most (median $179,210 a year) and animal caretakers the least ($33,470).
About this statistic
Pay and employment figures come from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Median pay is the wage at which half of workers in the occupation earned more and half earned less in May 2024; it excludes self-employed workers. Job projections show the expected change in employment from 2024 to 2034, based on demand for each occupation's work.
For small business owners, these figures are a starting point for budgeting wages, and the outlook shows whether demand for the work is growing. Pay varies widely by state, city and experience.
Questions and answers
What is the median pay for occupational therapists in the US?
$98,340 (median pay a year, May 2024). Occupational therapists earned a median $98,340 a year in May 2024, above the $49,500 median for all US workers. There were 160,000 jobs, projected to grow 14% by 2034 (all occupations: 3%).
How does United States compare?
Median pay for occupational therapists is 99% higher than the median for all US workers ($49,500). It ranks 6th of 80 occupations in Advanton's US industry profiles by pay.
Where does this data come from?
From U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook (pay May 2024, projections 2024-34), covering 2024 (projections to 2034). Median: half of workers earned more and half less. Pay excludes self-employed workers. Employed in industries including speech and occupational therapy practices.
Data
| Group | Median pay a year ($) |
|---|---|
| Occupational therapists | $98,340 |
| All US workers | $49,500 |
Source and notes
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook (pay May 2024, projections 2024-34). Period: 2024 (projections to 2034). Coverage: United States.
Median: half of workers earned more and half less. Pay excludes self-employed workers. Employed in industries including speech and occupational therapy practices.
Cite this statistic
Please also credit the original source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook (pay May 2024, projections 2024-34).Related statistics
- Speech and occupational therapy practices in the US: jobs, pay and job outlook
- Median pay by occupation in US small business industries, 2024
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Last reviewed November 9, 2026. Startup costs are estimates; check local prices, licensing and tax rules before you commit money.
