Raleigh vs Statesville: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist salaries between Raleigh, NC and Statesville, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Raleigh, NC | Statesville, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $86,653 | $88,324▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $41.66 | $42.46▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,660 | $65,011▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $77,202▲ | $73,042 |
| 75th Percentile | $109,913▲ | $101,954 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $124,919▲ | $113,355 |
| Total Employed | 680▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Raleigh and Statesville are closely matched on overall occupational therapist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Raleigh and Statesville is $1,671 (1.93%). Statesville's median is -14.58% compared to the US national median of $103,400.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Raleigh spans $61,259,Statesville spans $48,344. Raleigh has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Statesville ($94,363 effective) pays 6.89% more than Raleigh ($88,280 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Raleigh if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($124,919)
- ✓Larger job market (680 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Statesville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($88,324/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $94,363)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Raleigh grew 8.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 0.4% growth in Statesville over the same period.
Raleigh, NC
$77,650 (2019) → $84,080 (2025)
Statesville, NC
$85,396 (2024) → $85,702 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Raleigh, NC
Statesville, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: Raleigh or Statesville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Raleigh and Statesville?
Should I relocate from Raleigh to Statesville as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Raleigh vs Statesville?
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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