Entry-Level Occupational Therapist Salary in Rexburg, ID: $73,471 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapists entering the Rexburg, ID job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $73,471 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1122, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Rexburg's local price level (BEA RPP 95.3 — 5% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $77,094 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($100,070) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the starting occupational therapist salary in Rexburg, ID, is projected to be approximately $73,471, which is significantly lower than the city’s median salary of $100,070. New graduates can expect a gradual progression in their income over the first few years, with potential earnings moving up to $82,618 at the 25th percentile. This gap between entry-level salaries and the city median illustrates the challenges faced by newly licensed occupational therapists as they enter the workforce. However, Rexburg presents a promising environment for fresh graduates, given its lower cost of living index of 95.3, making it easier for newcomers to establish themselves financially in their early career phases.
About the Rexburg Market
Salary estimated from Idaho average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Rexburg
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Rexburg
Entry-level occupational therapists in Rexburg, ID typically start between $73,471 and $82,618 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $50,951 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $100,070 — 3.22% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in Idaho of $80,000 represents just 108.89% of the starting occupational therapist pay ($73,471/year) in Rexburg. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on ACOTE-accredited Master's and Doctoral occupational therapy programs. Tuition varies between public in-state and private institution programs; MOT programs typically run 2-3 years post-bachelor's.
OT, OTR Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Rexburg
- 1Research the Rexburg market: entry-level occupational therapist pay ranges from $73,471 to $82,618, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the occupational therapy field — employers in ID often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Rexburg, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Rexburg for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Rexburg's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Occupational Therapist Compensation Range
The occupational therapist wage spread in Rexburg is $50,951 ( 69.35%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $73,471, experienced hygienists can earn up to $124,422.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$56,483
2025 BLS Actual
$71,290
2026 Current Est.
$73,471
2019–2027 Growth
+34.1%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Rexburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,483 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,010 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,341 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,967 | Actual |
| 2023 | $64,846 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,227 | Actual |
| 2025 | $71,290 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $73,471 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75,720 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Rexburg, ID grew 26.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $56,483 in 2019 to $71,290 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $75,720. New graduates entering the Rexburg job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rexburg metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.06% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your occupational therapy Career in Rexburg
Employers throughout Rexburg are keen to onboard new graduates, particularly in hospital systems that offer residency programs aimed at specialty certifications and school districts looking for therapists to work during the academic year. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) often seek new hires as well, although these positions may come with higher productivity expectations. To maximize starting pay, graduates should secure a Master's of Occupational Therapy (MOT) or a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OTD) from an accredited program, and pass the NBCOT national exam to obtain their state license. While specialized credentials like the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) can significantly enhance earning potential, taking advantage of ongoing education and various certifications offered by AOTA will provide a strategic advantage in the rapidly evolving field. Realistically, those in their initial years may anticipate salary growth that aligns with the broader industry growth rate of 3.06%, paving the way for better opportunities as they gain experience.
More salary data for Rexburg, ID:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for occupational therapists in Rexburg in 2026?
How fast do occupational therapist salaries grow in Rexburg?
Is occupational therapy school worth it in Rexburg?
What do new occupational therapists make right out of school in Rexburg?
How do I become a occupational therapist in Idaho?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new occupational therapy graduates. A 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Rexburg. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Rexburg is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.06%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for occupational therapists (SOC 29-1122).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Miller, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov