Occupational Therapist Pay

Cleveland vs Findlay: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)

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

Cleveland, OH
$106,214
$51.07/hr
Findlay, OH
$96,319
$46.30/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCleveland, OHFindlay, OH
Median Salary$106,214$96,319
Hourly Rate$51.07$46.30
Entry Level (P10)$79,614$72,167
25th Percentile$86,065$80,591
75th Percentile$114,613$110,017
Top Earner (P90)$127,939$121,701
Total Employed1,2008
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Cleveland ($106,214) and Findlay ($96,319) occupational therapist salaries.ClevelandFindlayMedian Salary$106,214$96,319Entry Level (P10)$79,614$72,167Top Earner (P90)$127,939$121,701US Median $103,400

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Cleveland and Findlay is $9,895 (10.27%). Cleveland's median is +2.72% compared to the US national median of $103,400.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cleveland spans $48,325,Findlay spans $49,534. Findlay has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced occupational therapists.

Cleveland
P10 (Entry)$79,614
P25$86,065
Median$106,214
P75$114,613
P90 (Top)$127,939
Findlay
P10 (Entry)$72,167
P25$80,591
Median$96,319
P75$110,017
P90 (Top)$121,701

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Cleveland ($113,086 effective) pays 6.49% more than Findlay ($106,195 effective).

Cleveland
Nominal: $106,214
CoL Index: 93.923
Adjusted: $113,086
Findlay
Nominal: $96,319
CoL Index: 90.7
Adjusted: $106,195

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Cleveland if…

  • Higher median salary ($106,214/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($127,939)
  • Larger job market (1,200 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $113,086)
  • You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle

Choose Findlay if…

  • You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Cleveland grew 14.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 23.1% growth in Findlay over the same period.

Cleveland, OH

+14.7%

$89,830 (2019) → $103,060 (2025)

Findlay, OH

+23.1%

$75,901 (2024) → $93,459 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays occupational therapists more: Cleveland or Findlay?

Cleveland has a higher median occupational therapist salary at $106,214/year, compared to Findlay at $96,319/year — a difference of $9,895 (10.27%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Cleveland and Findlay?

Cleveland occupational therapists earn $51.07/hr while Findlay hygienists earn $46.30/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Cleveland to Findlay as a occupational therapist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Cleveland and Findlay. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Cleveland = $113,086, Findlay = $106,195), job availability (1,200 vs 8 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Cleveland vs Findlay?

Entry-level (10th percentile) occupational therapists earn $79,614 in Cleveland and $72,167 in Findlay. The Cleveland 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