Occupational Therapist Salary in Alabama: $96,577 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Alabama's 24 metropolitan areas, the average median occupational therapist pay sits at $96,577/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-1122. Because Alabama sits at BEA RPP 87.9 (12% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $109,871 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Tuscaloosa ($100,760), Auburn ($97,600), Decatur ($97,460).
In Alabama, the average median salary for occupational therapists is projected to be $96,576 in 2026, which is approximately 6.6% lower than the national median of $103,400. Salaries vary significantly across the state with Tuscaloosa offering the highest average at $103,843, while Florence reports the lowest at $87,220, resulting in a salary gap of $16,623. This disparity is driven by factors such as cost of living, local demand for occupational therapy services, and the presence of healthcare facilities and educational institutions in major cities. Occupational therapists in Alabama must adhere to state licensing requirements and scope of practice laws, which mirror those in many regions. These regulations play a role in maintaining professional standards and ensuring that therapists are well-equipped to meet patient needs. The total employment figure stands at 1,268 occupational therapists, reflecting a steady demand for their services in various healthcare settings. The job market outlook appears positive, with an annual growth rate of 3.06%, indicating a continued need for occupational therapists. Key drivers of this demand include an aging population and increasing awareness of rehabilitation services, positioning this career as a viable option for those entering the workforce in Alabama.
Alabama Occupational Therapist Salary Range
Overall salary range in Alabama: $61,362 (lowest entry-level) to $131,824 (highest top earner)
Alabama vs National Average
Alabama occupational therapists earn 6.6% less than the national median ($-6,823/year difference).
Alabama Occupational Therapist Salary Distribution (2026)
Occupational Therapist salaries in Alabama range from $76,614 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $126,398 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $96,577. The Alabama median is $6,823 below the US national median of $103,400. The average hourly rate is $46.43/hr. Approximately 1,268 occupational therapists are employed across 24 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$85,931
2025 BLS Actual
$93,709
2026 Current Est.
$96,577
2019–2027 Growth
+15.8%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Alabama (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $85,931 | Actual |
| 2020 | $89,009 | Actual |
| 2021 | $88,883 | Actual |
| 2022 | $83,955 | Actual |
| 2023 | $95,881 | Actual |
| 2024 | $94,058 | Actual |
| 2025 | $93,709 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $96,577 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $99,532 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Alabama metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 9.1% from $85,931 (2019) to $93,709 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $99,532 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,601 (15.83%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Alabama 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.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Alabama
Lowest Paying Cities in Alabama
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Florence | $87,220 |
| Pelham | $89,364 |
| Gadsden | $90,301 |
| Dothan | $92,115 |
| Albertville | $92,562 |
Best Value Cities for Occupational Therapists in Alabama
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Alabama cities offer the most purchasing power for occupational therapists.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuscaloosa | $103,843 | 87.722 | $118,377 |
| Decatur | $100,442 | 87.212 | $115,170 |
| Auburn | $100,587 | 87.933 | $114,391 |
| Opelika | $100,156 | 87.9 | $113,943 |
| Hoover | $97,570 | 87.9 | $111,001 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Alabama
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $76,614 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $96,577 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $126,398 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Alabama metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 24 Cities in Alabama
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tuscaloosa | $103,843 |
| 2 | Auburn | $100,587 |
| 3 | Decatur | $100,442 |
| 4 | Opelika | $100,156 |
| 5 | Birmingham | $98,165 |
| 6 | Hoover | $97,570 |
| 7 | Montgomery | $96,784 |
| 8 | Huntsville | $96,485 |
| 9 | Phenix City | $95,088 |
| 10 | Prattville | $94,571 |
| 11 | Daphne | $94,504 |
| 12 | Northport | $94,362 |
| 13 | Madison | $94,217 |
| 14 | Alabaster | $93,634 |
| 15 | Enterprise | $93,484 |
| 16 | Mobile | $93,403 |
| 17 | Homewood | $93,364 |
| 18 | Anniston | $92,977 |
| 19 | Vestavia Hills | $92,772 |
| 20 | Albertville | $92,562 |
| 21 | Dothan | $92,115 |
| 22 | Gadsden | $90,301 |
| 23 | Pelham | $89,364 |
| 24 | Florence | $87,220 |
More Alabama Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore occupational therapist hourly pay in Alabama cities.
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced occupational therapists.
Explore More Occupational Therapist Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Alabama in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for occupational therapists in Alabama?
How does Alabama occupational therapist pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level occupational therapist salary in Alabama?
How many occupational therapists are employed in Alabama?
Which Alabama city offers the best value for occupational therapists?
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
Statewide 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. A 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 occupational therapist compensation across Alabama. State averages are employment-weighted across 24 metro areas — larger metro areas with more occupational therapistscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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