Ogden vs Salt Lake City: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist salaries between Ogden, UT and Salt Lake City, UT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ogden, UT | Salt Lake City, UT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $98,876 | $103,039▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $47.54 | $49.54▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,514 | $80,892▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $84,365 | $87,993▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $106,791 | $107,450▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $120,343 | $132,803▲ |
| Total Employed | 210 | 510▲ |
Verdict
Salt Lake City, UT offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Ogden.
The salary gap between Ogden and Salt Lake City is $4,163 (4.21%). Salt Lake City's median is -0.35% compared to the US national median of $103,400.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ogden spans $51,829,Salt Lake City spans $51,911. Salt Lake City 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, Salt Lake City ($102,152 effective) pays 3.67% more than Ogden ($98,532 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ogden if…
- ✓You prefer the Utah area and lifestyle
Choose Salt Lake City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($103,039/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($132,803)
- ✓Larger job market (510 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $102,152)
- ✓You prefer the Utah area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Ogden grew 11.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.1% growth in Salt Lake City over the same period.
Ogden, UT
$86,070 (2019) → $95,940 (2025)
Salt Lake City, UT
$83,980 (2019) → $99,980 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Salt Lake City, UT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: Ogden or Salt Lake City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Ogden and Salt Lake City?
Should I relocate from Ogden to Salt Lake City as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Ogden vs Salt Lake City?
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