There were more than 144,800 occupational therapists employed in the U.S. as of May 2023 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 healthcare 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 2023, the national mean wage for occupational therapists was $96,790 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 2023 identifies the following as the ten best and worst states for occupational therapist pay based on annual mean wage levels:
The Best and Worst States for Occupational Therapist Pay
| Best Paying States | |
| 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 |
| Worst Paying States | |
| 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 |
(*) annual mean wage ranking among the 50 states and the District of Columbia
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OES. Data extracted on May 27, 2024
