There were just under 128,000 occupational therapists employed in the U.S. as of May 2021 per the most current occupational statistical data available from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Occupational therapists (OTs) work in varied healthcare settings, including hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, home health care agencies, and offices with other health practitioners. A good number of OTs also work in educational settings, mostly elementary and secondary schools. Like many other healthcare professionals with special skills and training, occupational therapists typically earn more money than most occupations. According to BLS estimates, as of May 2021, the national mean wage for occupational therapists was $89,470 per year. From state to state, there is a very wide variation in the average annual wages earned by occupational therapists. Further examination of BLS data as of May 2021 identifies the following as the ten best and worst states for occupational therapist pay:
The Best and Worst States for Occupational Therapist Pay
| State | # Employed | Annual Mean Wages | Wage Rank* |
| NV | 850 | $109,010 | 1st |
| CA | 11,460 | $105,760 | 2nd |
| NJ | 3,960 | $100,140 | 3rd |
| TX | 8,500 | $96,100 | 4th |
| NM | 740 | $95,060 | 5th |
| VA | 3,070 | $94,950 | 6th |
| CT | 2,280 | $94,040 | 7th |
| AK | 290 | $93,440 | 8th |
| CO | 3,710 | $93,250 | 9th |
| NY | 8,320 | $93,190 | 10th |
| U.S. | 127,830 | $89,470 | ------- |
| KY | 1,780 | $81,330 | 42nd |
| ID | 600 | $80,760 | 43rd |
| MN | 3,080 | $80,060 | 44th |
| MO | 2,270 | $78,990 | 45th |
| MI | 4,610 | $77,880 | 46th |
| VT | 230 | $77,740 | 47th |
| WI | 3,380 | $76,770 | 48th |
| SD | 370 | $76,330 | 49th |
| ME | 990 | $74,380 | 50th |
| ND | 420 | $71,340 | 51st |
(*) annual mean wage ranking among the 50 states and the District of Columbia
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OES. Data extracted on August 1, 2022
