Cincinnati vs Dayton: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist salaries between Cincinnati, OH and Dayton, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cincinnati, OH | Dayton, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $103,957 | $107,018▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $49.98 | $51.46▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,675▲ | $76,759 |
| 25th Percentile | $86,251▲ | $85,334 |
| 75th Percentile | $118,457 | $120,240▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $132,556 | $135,194▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,360▲ | 530 |
Verdict
Dayton, OH offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Cincinnati.
The salary gap between Cincinnati and Dayton is $3,061 (2.94%). Dayton's median is +3.50% compared to the US national median of $103,400.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cincinnati spans $50,881,Dayton spans $58,435. Dayton 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, Dayton ($115,453 effective) pays 5.92% more than Cincinnati ($109,004 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cincinnati if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,360 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Dayton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($107,018/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($135,194)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $115,453)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Cincinnati grew 24.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 13.5% growth in Dayton over the same period.
Cincinnati, OH
$80,940 (2019) → $100,870 (2025)
Dayton, OH
$91,500 (2019) → $103,840 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cincinnati, OH
Dayton, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: Cincinnati or Dayton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cincinnati and Dayton?
Should I relocate from Cincinnati to Dayton as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Cincinnati vs Dayton?
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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