Entry-Level Occupational Therapist Salary in Grants Pass, OR: $84,402 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapists entering the Grants Pass, OR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $84,402 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1122, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Grants Pass's local price level (BEA RPP 102.6 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $82,263 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($109,169) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates pursuing an entry-level occupational therapist position in Grants Pass can anticipate a starting salary around $84,402. This figure signifies a gap between initial earnings and the overall city median of $109,169, presenting a realistic challenge for those entering the field. However, it's essential to frame these numbers within the broader growth trajectory, which hints at potential increases from around the 25th percentile of $93,375 after a few years. Given its projected growth rate of 3.06% annually, Grants Pass stands as a viable location for recent graduates, offering a promising entry point into occupational therapy, despite the initial financial adjustments they may encounter.
About the Grants Pass Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($96,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Grants Pass
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 Grants Pass
Entry-level occupational therapists in Grants Pass, OR typically start between $84,402 and $93,375 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $56,467 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $109,169 — 5.58% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in Oregon of $115,000 represents just 136.25% of the starting occupational therapist pay ($84,402/year) in Grants Pass. 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 Grants Pass
- 1Research the Grants Pass market: entry-level occupational therapist pay ranges from $84,402 to $93,375, 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 OR often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Grants Pass, 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 Grants Pass for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Grants Pass'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 Grants Pass is $56,467 ( 66.90%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $84,402, experienced hygienists can earn up to $140,869.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$64,886
2025 BLS Actual
$81,896
2026 Current Est.
$84,402
2019–2027 Growth
+34.1%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Grants Pass (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64,886 | Actual |
| 2020 | $65,492 | Actual |
| 2021 | $69,319 | Actual |
| 2022 | $72,334 | Actual |
| 2023 | $74,493 | Actual |
| 2024 | $70,363 | Actual |
| 2025 | $81,896 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $84,402 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $86,985 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Grants Pass, OR grew 26.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $64,886 in 2019 to $81,896 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $86,985. New graduates entering the Grants Pass job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Grants Pass 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 Grants Pass
In the Grants Pass area, several key employers actively seek new grad occupational therapists, including local hospital systems that provide residency programs designed to lead to specialty certifications. School districts are also a noteworthy option for newly minted therapists, offering contracts with extended breaks, making them attractive for those seeking work-life balance. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) frequently recruit fresh graduates but often impose productivity pressures that new therapists need to navigate thoughtfully. To enhance starting pay in Oregon, credentials from an ACOTE-accredited program, the NBCOT national exam, and a state OT license are essential. Considering the impending shift toward requiring an entry-level Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OTD), as mandated by ACOTE, new graduates are encouraged to pursue further certifications like the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential, known to command the highest salary premiums in the field. Realistically, new therapists in their first few years can expect salary growth as they gain experience and additional certifications, making continuous education and strategic career planning vital components for success in this evolving landscape.
More salary data for Grants Pass, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for occupational therapists in Grants Pass in 2026?
How fast do occupational therapist salaries grow in Grants Pass?
Is occupational therapy school worth it in Grants Pass?
What do new occupational therapists make right out of school in Grants Pass?
How do I become a occupational therapist in Oregon?
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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 Grants Pass. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Grants Pass 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