Brighton vs Denver: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist salaries between Brighton, CO and Denver, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Brighton, CO | Denver, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $103,914 | $110,790▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $49.96 | $53.26▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,254 | $81,593▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $87,240 | $97,093▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $121,217 | $131,226▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $135,442 | $162,649▲ |
| Total Employed | 7 | 1,870▲ |
Verdict
Denver, CO offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Brighton.
The salary gap between Brighton and Denver is $6,876 (6.62%). Denver's median is +7.15% compared to the US national median of $103,400.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Brighton spans $57,188,Denver spans $81,056. Denver 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, Denver ($104,734 effective) pays 5.83% more than Brighton ($98,966 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Brighton if…
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Denver if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($110,790/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($162,649)
- ✓Larger job market (1,870 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $104,734)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Brighton grew 11.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 20.2% growth in Denver over the same period.
Brighton, CO
$90,077 (2024) → $100,829 (2025)
Denver, CO
$89,420 (2019) → $107,500 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Brighton, CO
Denver, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: Brighton or Denver?
What is the hourly rate difference between Brighton and Denver?
Should I relocate from Brighton to Denver as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Brighton vs Denver?
Related Comparisons
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