Charlotte vs Fayetteville: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist salaries between Charlotte, NC and Fayetteville, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charlotte, NC | Fayetteville, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $101,463▲ | $83,726 |
| Hourly Rate | $48.78▲ | $40.26 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,660▲ | $58,517 |
| 25th Percentile | $83,510▲ | $67,968 |
| 75th Percentile | $112,294▲ | $102,844 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $124,795▲ | $115,448 |
| Total Employed | 1,140▲ | 200 |
Verdict
Charlotte, NC offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fayetteville.
The salary gap between Charlotte and Fayetteville is $17,737 (21.18%). Charlotte's median is -1.87% compared to the US national median of $103,400.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charlotte spans $59,135,Fayetteville spans $56,931. Charlotte has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Charlotte ($104,227 effective) pays 14.50% more than Fayetteville ($91,028 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Charlotte if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($101,463/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($124,795)
- ✓Larger job market (1,140 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $104,227)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Fayetteville if…
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Charlotte grew 16.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 2.2% growth in Fayetteville over the same period.
Charlotte, NC
$84,760 (2019) → $98,450 (2025)
Fayetteville, NC
$79,530 (2019) → $81,240 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charlotte, NC
Fayetteville, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: Charlotte or Fayetteville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charlotte and Fayetteville?
Should I relocate from Charlotte to Fayetteville as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Charlotte vs Fayetteville?
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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