Huntsville vs Montgomery: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist salaries between Huntsville, AL and Montgomery, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Huntsville, AL | Montgomery, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $96,485 | $96,784▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $46.39 | $46.53▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,263▲ | $61,362 |
| 25th Percentile | $84,200▲ | $79,150 |
| 75th Percentile | $103,792 | $106,543▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $125,568▲ | $120,745 |
| Total Employed | 130▲ | 90 |
Verdict
Huntsville and Montgomery are closely matched on overall occupational therapist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Huntsville and Montgomery is $299 (0.31%). Montgomery's median is -6.40% compared to the US national median of $103,400.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Huntsville spans $44,305,Montgomery spans $59,383. Montgomery 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, Montgomery ($107,919 effective) pays 4.10% 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 Huntsville if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($125,568)
- ✓Larger job market (130 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Choose Montgomery if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($96,784/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $107,919)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Huntsville grew 12.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 37.3% growth in Montgomery over the same period.
Huntsville, AL
$83,540 (2019) → $93,620 (2025)
Montgomery, AL
$68,410 (2019) → $93,910 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Huntsville, AL
Montgomery, AL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: Huntsville or Montgomery?
What is the hourly rate difference between Huntsville and Montgomery?
Should I relocate from Huntsville to Montgomery as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Huntsville vs Montgomery?
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