Hartford vs Manchester: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist salaries between Hartford, CT and Manchester, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hartford, CT | Manchester, CT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $103,647 | $106,710▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $49.83 | $51.30▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,872▲ | $75,122 |
| 25th Percentile | $83,901 | $86,441▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $112,263 | $124,596▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $124,764 | $140,401▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,140▲ | 11 |
Verdict
Manchester, CT offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hartford.
The salary gap between Hartford and Manchester is $3,063 (2.96%). Manchester's median is +3.20% compared to the US national median of $103,400.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hartford spans $46,892,Manchester spans $65,279. Manchester 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, Hartford ($100,877 effective) pays 2.00% more than Manchester ($98,897 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hartford if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,140 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $100,877)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Choose Manchester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($106,710/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($140,401)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Hartford grew 8.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 0.2% growth in Manchester over the same period.
Hartford, CT
$92,850 (2019) → $100,570 (2025)
Manchester, CT
$103,376 (2024) → $103,542 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hartford, CT
Manchester, CT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: Hartford or Manchester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hartford and Manchester?
Should I relocate from Hartford to Manchester as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Hartford vs Manchester?
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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