Occupational Therapist Pay

Beavercreek vs Columbus: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)

Compare occupational therapist salaries between Beavercreek, OH and Columbus, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Beavercreek, OH
$107,184
$51.53/hr
Columbus, OH
$101,947
$49.02/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBeavercreek, OHColumbus, OH
Median Salary$107,184$101,947
Hourly Rate$51.53$49.02
Entry Level (P10)$80,378$67,051
25th Percentile$90,069$84,602
75th Percentile$125,113$110,243
Top Earner (P90)$139,838$123,373
Total Employed81,370
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Beavercreek ($107,184) and Columbus ($101,947) occupational therapist salaries.BeavercreekColumbusMedian Salary$107,184$101,947Entry Level (P10)$80,378$67,051Top Earner (P90)$139,838$123,373US Median $103,400

Verdict

Beavercreek, OH offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbus.

The salary gap between Beavercreek and Columbus is $5,237 (5.14%). Beavercreek's median is +3.66% compared to the US national median of $103,400.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Beavercreek spans $59,460,Columbus spans $56,322. Beavercreek has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Beavercreek
P10 (Entry)$80,378
P25$90,069
Median$107,184
P75$125,113
P90 (Top)$139,838
Columbus
P10 (Entry)$67,051
P25$84,602
Median$101,947
P75$110,243
P90 (Top)$123,373

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Beavercreek ($118,174 effective) pays 10.67% more than Columbus ($106,785 effective).

Beavercreek
Nominal: $107,184
CoL Index: 90.7
Adjusted: $118,174
Columbus
Nominal: $101,947
CoL Index: 95.469
Adjusted: $106,785

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Beavercreek if…

  • Higher median salary ($107,184/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($139,838)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $118,174)
  • You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle

Choose Columbus if…

  • Larger job market (1,370 employed)
  • You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Beavercreek grew 34.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 30.0% growth in Columbus over the same period.

Beavercreek, OH

+34.1%

$77,542 (2024) → $104,002 (2025)

Columbus, OH

+30.0%

$76,120 (2019) → $98,920 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays occupational therapists more: Beavercreek or Columbus?

Beavercreek has a higher median occupational therapist salary at $107,184/year, compared to Columbus at $101,947/year — a difference of $5,237 (5.14%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Beavercreek and Columbus?

Beavercreek occupational therapists earn $51.53/hr while Columbus hygienists earn $49.02/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Beavercreek to Columbus as a occupational therapist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Beavercreek and Columbus. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Beavercreek = $118,174, Columbus = $106,785), job availability (8 vs 1,370 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Beavercreek vs Columbus?

Entry-level (10th percentile) occupational therapists earn $80,378 in Beavercreek and $67,051 in Columbus. The Beavercreek area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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