Bear vs Wilmington: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist salaries between Bear, DE and Wilmington, DE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bear, DE | Wilmington, DE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $100,774 | $108,112▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $48.45 | $51.97▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,048 | $76,275▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $84,297 | $87,368▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $112,186 | $123,826▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $121,088 | $137,679▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 10▲ |
Verdict
Wilmington, DE offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Bear.
The salary gap between Bear and Wilmington is $7,338 (7.28%). Wilmington's median is +4.56% compared to the US national median of $103,400.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bear spans $45,040,Wilmington spans $61,404. Wilmington has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced occupational therapists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Wilmington ($106,305 effective) pays 7.28% more than Bear ($99,089 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bear if…
- ✓You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle
Choose Wilmington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($108,112/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($137,679)
- ✓Larger job market (10 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $106,305)
- ✓You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Bear grew 9.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 11.3% growth in Wilmington over the same period.
Bear, DE
$89,663 (2024) → $97,782 (2025)
Wilmington, DE
$94,210 (2024) → $104,902 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Wilmington, DE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: Bear or Wilmington?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bear and Wilmington?
Should I relocate from Bear to Wilmington as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Bear vs Wilmington?
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.
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