Entry-Level Occupational Therapist Salary in Roseburg, OR: $77,250 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapists entering the Roseburg, OR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $77,250 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1122, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Roseburg's local price level (BEA RPP 102.6 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $75,292 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($106,558) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the field of occupational therapy in Roseburg, Oregon, can expect an entry-level occupational therapist salary of approximately $77,250. This starting pay is notably lower than the city's median salary of $106,558, creating a significant gap that early-career practitioners will need to navigate. However, the potential for growth in this profession is promising. Over the first three to five years, new OTs can anticipate salary increases as they transition from the 10th percentile earnings to the 25th percentile and ultimately towards the median. Given Roseburg's current demand for skilled therapists, particularly in healthcare settings, it presents a favorable market for new graduates looking to establish their careers while gaining valuable experience in various practice environments.
About the Roseburg Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($96,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Roseburg
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 Roseburg
Entry-level occupational therapists in Roseburg, OR typically start between $77,250 and $93,534 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $57,439 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $106,558 — 3.05% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in Oregon of $115,000 represents just 148.87% of the starting occupational therapist pay ($77,250/year) in Roseburg. 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 Roseburg
- 1Research the Roseburg market: entry-level occupational therapist pay ranges from $77,250 to $93,534, 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 Roseburg, 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 Roseburg for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Roseburg'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 Roseburg is $57,439 ( 74.35%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $77,250, experienced hygienists can earn up to $134,689.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$59,388
2025 BLS Actual
$74,956
2026 Current Est.
$77,250
2019–2027 Growth
+34.1%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Roseburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,388 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,942 | Actual |
| 2021 | $63,444 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,205 | Actual |
| 2023 | $68,181 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,108 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,956 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,250 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79,613 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Roseburg, OR grew 26.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $59,388 in 2019 to $74,956 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $79,613. New graduates entering the Roseburg job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Roseburg 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 Roseburg
Employers in Roseburg actively engage with recent graduates, offering numerous opportunities that can accelerate career advancement and salary growth. Hospitals often provide residency programs that lead to specialty certifications, enhancing a therapist's credentials. School districts frequently hire new graduates for contract positions that align with academic calendars, while skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) seek fresh talent, although these roles may come with higher productivity expectations. To improve their starting pay, new graduates are encouraged to earn an entry-level master's (MOT) or doctorate (OTD) from an ACOTE-accredited institution, pass the NBCOT national exam, and obtain state licensure. Additional certifications, such as the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT), significantly elevate earning potential due to the premium demand in this specialization. Given that the profession's entry-level education requirements are set to transition to the OTD by 2027, new therapists should actively pursue continuing education and professional development to stay competitive and ensure steady salary growth in the early years of their careers.
More salary data for Roseburg, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for occupational therapists in Roseburg in 2026?
How fast do occupational therapist salaries grow in Roseburg?
Is occupational therapy school worth it in Roseburg?
What do new occupational therapists make right out of school in Roseburg?
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 Roseburg. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Roseburg 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