Occupational Therapist Pay

Baltimore vs Catonsville: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)

Compare occupational therapist salaries between Baltimore, MD and Catonsville, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Baltimore, MD
$108,718
$52.27/hr
Catonsville, MD
$107,903
$51.88/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBaltimore, MDCatonsville, MD
Median Salary$108,718$107,903
Hourly Rate$52.27$51.88
Entry Level (P10)$76,316$81,543
25th Percentile$88,075$90,799
75th Percentile$123,363$126,237
Top Earner (P90)$132,906$136,890
Total Employed1,20010
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Baltimore ($108,718) and Catonsville ($107,903) occupational therapist salaries.BaltimoreCatonsvilleMedian Salary$108,718$107,903Entry Level (P10)$76,316$81,543Top Earner (P90)$132,906$136,890US Median $103,400

Verdict

Baltimore, MD offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Catonsville.

The salary gap between Baltimore and Catonsville is $815 (0.76%). Baltimore's median is +5.14% compared to the US national median of $103,400.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Baltimore spans $56,590,Catonsville spans $55,347. Baltimore has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Baltimore
P10 (Entry)$76,316
P25$88,075
Median$108,718
P75$123,363
P90 (Top)$132,906
Catonsville
P10 (Entry)$81,543
P25$90,799
Median$107,903
P75$126,237
P90 (Top)$136,890

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Baltimore ($104,049 effective) pays 5.40% more than Catonsville ($98,722 effective).

Baltimore
Nominal: $108,718
CoL Index: 104.487
Adjusted: $104,049
Catonsville
Nominal: $107,903
CoL Index: 109.3
Adjusted: $98,722

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Baltimore if…

  • Higher median salary ($108,718/year)
  • Larger job market (1,200 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $104,049)
  • You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle

Choose Catonsville if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($136,890)
  • You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Baltimore grew 19.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 5.6% growth in Catonsville over the same period.

Baltimore, MD

+19.2%

$88,500 (2019) → $105,490 (2025)

Catonsville, MD

+5.6%

$99,137 (2024) → $104,699 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays occupational therapists more: Baltimore or Catonsville?

Baltimore has a higher median occupational therapist salary at $108,718/year, compared to Catonsville at $107,903/year — a difference of $815 (0.76%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Baltimore and Catonsville?

Baltimore occupational therapists earn $52.27/hr while Catonsville hygienists earn $51.88/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Baltimore to Catonsville as a occupational therapist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Baltimore and Catonsville. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Baltimore = $104,049, Catonsville = $98,722), job availability (1,200 vs 10 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Baltimore vs Catonsville?

Entry-level (10th percentile) occupational therapists earn $76,316 in Baltimore and $81,543 in Catonsville. The Catonsville area offers higher starting salaries.
JM

Written by Jordan Miller, OTR/L

Career Analyst

Jordan has 10 years of experience in occupational therapy. They specialize in pediatrics and work in a rehabilitation clinic.

Clinically reviewed by Sofia Chen, OTR/LData verified by Luis Garcia, OTR/L

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.06% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

Compiled and verified by Jordan Miller, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov