Denver vs Lakewood: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist salaries between Denver, CO and Lakewood, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Denver, CO | Lakewood, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $110,790▲ | $109,098 |
| Hourly Rate | $53.26▲ | $52.45 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,593▲ | $79,527 |
| 25th Percentile | $97,093▲ | $90,377 |
| 75th Percentile | $131,226▲ | $129,170 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $162,649▲ | $147,286 |
| Total Employed | 1,870▲ | 27 |
Verdict
Denver, CO offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lakewood.
The salary gap between Denver and Lakewood is $1,692 (1.55%). 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,Lakewood spans $67,759. Denver has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Denver ($104,734 effective) pays 0.80% more than Lakewood ($103,903 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)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($162,649)
- ✓Larger job market (1,870 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $104,734)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Lakewood if…
- ✓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 11.9% growth in Lakewood over the same period.
Denver, CO
$89,420 (2019) → $107,500 (2025)
Lakewood, CO
$94,571 (2024) → $105,859 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Denver, CO
Lakewood, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: Denver or Lakewood?
What is the hourly rate difference between Denver and Lakewood?
Should I relocate from Denver to Lakewood as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Denver vs Lakewood?
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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