Denver vs Colorado Springs: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist salaries between Denver, CO and Colorado Springs, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Denver, CO | Colorado Springs, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $110,790▲ | $109,017 |
| Hourly Rate | $53.26▲ | $52.42 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,593 | $83,860▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $97,093▲ | $95,238 |
| 75th Percentile | $131,226 | $133,133▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $162,649 | $169,338▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,870▲ | 520 |
Verdict
Denver, CO offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Colorado Springs.
The salary gap between Denver and Colorado Springs is $1,773 (1.63%). Denver's median is +7.15% 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,Colorado Springs spans $85,478. Colorado Springs 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, Colorado Springs ($108,252 effective) pays 3.36% 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…
- ✓Higher median salary ($110,790/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,870 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Colorado Springs if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($169,338)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $108,252)
- ✓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 22.7% growth in Colorado Springs over the same period.
Denver, CO
$89,420 (2019) → $107,500 (2025)
Colorado Springs, CO
$86,180 (2019) → $105,780 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Denver, CO
Colorado Springs, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: Denver or Colorado Springs?
What is the hourly rate difference between Denver and Colorado Springs?
Should I relocate from Denver to Colorado Springs as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Denver vs Colorado Springs?
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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