Denver vs Boulder: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist salaries between Denver, CO and Boulder, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Denver, CO | Boulder, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $110,790 | $127,269▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $53.26 | $61.19▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,593 | $88,539▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $97,093 | $107,028▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $131,226 | $139,533▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $162,649 | $180,139▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,870▲ | 260 |
Verdict
Boulder, CO offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Denver.
The salary gap between Denver and Boulder is $16,479 (14.87%). Boulder's median is +23.08% compared to the US national median of $103,400.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Denver spans $81,056,Boulder spans $91,600. Boulder 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, Boulder ($120,976 effective) pays 15.51% more than Denver ($104,734 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Denver if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,870 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Boulder if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($127,269/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($180,139)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $120,976)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Denver grew 20.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 31.5% growth in Boulder over the same period.
Denver, CO
$89,420 (2019) → $107,500 (2025)
Boulder, CO
$93,890 (2019) → $123,490 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Denver, CO
Boulder, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: Denver or Boulder?
What is the hourly rate difference between Denver and Boulder?
Should I relocate from Denver to Boulder as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Denver vs Boulder?
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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