Occupational Therapist Pay

Cincinnati vs Oxford: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)

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

Cincinnati, OH
$103,957
$49.98/hr
Oxford, OH
$95,572
$45.94/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCincinnati, OHOxford, OH
Median Salary$103,957$95,572
Hourly Rate$49.98$45.94
Entry Level (P10)$81,675$69,467
25th Percentile$86,251$84,005
75th Percentile$118,457$106,608
Top Earner (P90)$132,556$121,004
Total Employed1,3606
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Cincinnati ($103,957) and Oxford ($95,572) occupational therapist salaries.CincinnatiOxfordMedian Salary$103,957$95,572Entry Level (P10)$81,675$69,467Top Earner (P90)$132,556$121,004US Median $103,400

Verdict

Cincinnati, OH offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Oxford.

The salary gap between Cincinnati and Oxford is $8,385 (8.77%). Cincinnati's median is +0.54% 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,Oxford spans $51,537. Oxford has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced occupational therapists.

Cincinnati
P10 (Entry)$81,675
P25$86,251
Median$103,957
P75$118,457
P90 (Top)$132,556
Oxford
P10 (Entry)$69,467
P25$84,005
Median$95,572
P75$106,608
P90 (Top)$121,004

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Cincinnati ($109,004 effective) pays 3.45% more than Oxford ($105,372 effective).

Cincinnati
Nominal: $103,957
CoL Index: 95.37
Adjusted: $109,004
Oxford
Nominal: $95,572
CoL Index: 90.7
Adjusted: $105,372

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Cincinnati if…

  • Higher median salary ($103,957/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($132,556)
  • Larger job market (1,360 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $109,004)
  • You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle

Choose Oxford if…

  • 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 23.1% growth in Oxford over the same period.

Cincinnati, OH

+24.6%

$80,940 (2019) → $100,870 (2025)

Oxford, OH

+23.1%

$75,312 (2024) → $92,734 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays occupational therapists more: Cincinnati or Oxford?

Cincinnati has a higher median occupational therapist salary at $103,957/year, compared to Oxford at $95,572/year — a difference of $8,385 (8.77%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Cincinnati and Oxford?

Cincinnati occupational therapists earn $49.98/hr while Oxford hygienists earn $45.94/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Cincinnati to Oxford as a occupational therapist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Cincinnati and Oxford. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Cincinnati = $109,004, Oxford = $105,372), job availability (1,360 vs 6 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Cincinnati vs Oxford?

Entry-level (10th percentile) occupational therapists earn $81,675 in Cincinnati and $69,467 in Oxford. The Cincinnati 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