Salt Lake City vs Washington: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist salaries between Salt Lake City, UT and Washington, UT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Salt Lake City, UT | Washington, UT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $103,039▲ | $96,312 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.54▲ | $46.30 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,892▲ | $67,573 |
| 25th Percentile | $87,993▲ | $83,063 |
| 75th Percentile | $107,450 | $112,413▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $132,803▲ | $125,638 |
| Total Employed | 510▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Salt Lake City, UT offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Washington.
The salary gap between Salt Lake City and Washington is $6,727 (6.98%). 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,Washington spans $58,065. Washington 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 4.05% more than Washington ($98,177 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)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $102,152)
- ✓You prefer the Utah area and lifestyle
Choose Washington if…
- ✓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 Washington over the same period.
Salt Lake City, UT
$83,980 (2019) → $99,980 (2025)
Washington, UT
$78,144 (2024) → $93,452 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Salt Lake City, UT
Washington, UT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: Salt Lake City or Washington?
What is the hourly rate difference between Salt Lake City and Washington?
Should I relocate from Salt Lake City to Washington as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Salt Lake City vs Washington?
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