Flagstaff vs Mesa: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist salaries between Flagstaff, AZ and Mesa, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Flagstaff, AZ | Mesa, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $106,224 | $107,751▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $51.07 | $51.81▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,913▲ | $77,011 |
| 25th Percentile | $98,567▲ | $88,521 |
| 75th Percentile | $123,219 | $125,972▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $130,897 | $143,247▲ |
| Total Employed | 50 | 98▲ |
Verdict
Mesa, AZ offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Flagstaff.
The salary gap between Flagstaff and Mesa is $1,527 (1.44%). Mesa's median is +4.21% compared to the US national median of $103,400.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Flagstaff spans $52,984,Mesa spans $66,236. Mesa 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, Mesa ($109,392 effective) pays 3.32% more than Flagstaff ($105,880 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Flagstaff if…
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Choose Mesa if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($107,751/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($143,247)
- ✓Larger job market (98 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $109,392)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Flagstaff grew 31.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 6.2% growth in Mesa over the same period.
Flagstaff, AZ
$78,170 (2019) → $103,070 (2025)
Mesa, AZ
$98,455 (2024) → $104,552 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Flagstaff, AZ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: Flagstaff or Mesa?
What is the hourly rate difference between Flagstaff and Mesa?
Should I relocate from Flagstaff to Mesa as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Flagstaff vs Mesa?
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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