Gadsden vs Huntsville: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist salaries between Gadsden, AL and Huntsville, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Gadsden, AL | Huntsville, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $90,301 | $96,485▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $43.42 | $46.39▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,048 | $81,263▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $84,128 | $84,200▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $113,005▲ | $103,792 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $113,005 | $125,568▲ |
| Total Employed | 80 | 130▲ |
Verdict
Huntsville, AL offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Gadsden.
The salary gap between Gadsden and Huntsville is $6,184 (6.85%). Huntsville's median is -6.69% compared to the US national median of $103,400.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Gadsden spans $37,957,Huntsville spans $44,305. Huntsville 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, Gadsden ($105,427 effective) pays 1.70% more than Huntsville ($103,667 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Gadsden if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,427)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Choose Huntsville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($96,485/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($125,568)
- ✓Larger job market (130 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Gadsden grew 4.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 12.1% growth in Huntsville over the same period.
Gadsden, AL
$83,570 (2019) → $87,620 (2025)
Huntsville, AL
$83,540 (2019) → $93,620 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Gadsden, AL
Huntsville, AL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: Gadsden or Huntsville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Gadsden and Huntsville?
Should I relocate from Gadsden to Huntsville as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Gadsden vs Huntsville?
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