Salt Lake City vs Sandy: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist salaries between Salt Lake City, UT and Sandy, UT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Salt Lake City, UT | Sandy, UT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $103,039▲ | $100,370 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.54▲ | $48.25 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,892▲ | $71,597 |
| 25th Percentile | $87,993▲ | $81,777 |
| 75th Percentile | $107,450 | $117,734▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $132,803▲ | $132,573 |
| Total Employed | 510▲ | 18 |
Verdict
Salt Lake City, UT offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Sandy.
The salary gap between Salt Lake City and Sandy is $2,669 (2.66%). 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 Salt Lake City spans $51,911,Sandy spans $60,976. Sandy 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, Sandy ($102,314 effective) pays 0.16% more than Salt Lake City ($102,152 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Salt Lake City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($103,039/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($132,803)
- ✓Larger job market (510 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Utah area and lifestyle
Choose Sandy if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $102,314)
- ✓You prefer the Utah area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Salt Lake City grew 19.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.6% growth in Sandy over the same period.
Salt Lake City, UT
$83,980 (2019) → $99,980 (2025)
Sandy, UT
$81,437 (2024) → $97,390 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Salt Lake City, UT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: Salt Lake City or Sandy?
What is the hourly rate difference between Salt Lake City and Sandy?
Should I relocate from Salt Lake City to Sandy as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Salt Lake City vs Sandy?
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