Gadsden vs Mobile: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist salaries between Gadsden, AL and Mobile, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Gadsden, AL | Mobile, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $90,301 | $93,403▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $43.42 | $44.90▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,048 | $80,047▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $84,128▲ | $83,911 |
| 75th Percentile | $113,005▲ | $105,162 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $113,005 | $126,630▲ |
| Total Employed | 80 | 110▲ |
Verdict
Mobile, AL offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Gadsden.
The salary gap between Gadsden and Mobile is $3,102 (3.44%). Mobile's median is -9.67% 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,Mobile spans $46,583. Mobile 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, Mobile ($106,022 effective) pays 0.56% more than Gadsden ($105,427 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Gadsden if…
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Choose Mobile if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($93,403/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($126,630)
- ✓Larger job market (110 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $106,022)
- ✓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 3.7% growth in Mobile over the same period.
Gadsden, AL
$83,570 (2019) → $87,620 (2025)
Mobile, AL
$87,360 (2019) → $90,630 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Gadsden, AL
Mobile, AL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: Gadsden or Mobile?
What is the hourly rate difference between Gadsden and Mobile?
Should I relocate from Gadsden to Mobile as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Gadsden vs Mobile?
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