Occupational Therapist Salary in Madison, AL: $94,217 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Madison, AL earns a median $94,217/year (≈ $45.29/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Madison's price level (12% below national, BEA RPP 87.9), that paycheck buys what $107,187 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.5% below the Alabama state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Madison, Alabama, the projected median annual salary for occupational therapists in 2026 is $94,217. This figure reflects not only local compensation levels but also highlights a notable disparity when compared to the national median of $103,400, showcasing an approximate -8.88% difference. The salary range for occupational therapists in this area spans from $69,149 at the 10th percentile to $123,572 at the 90th percentile. These estimates are derived from state-level data and adjusted for regional price parity, signifying the localized economic factors at play. With the ongoing impacts of Medicare cuts on skilled nursing facilities and outpatient care, the compensation landscape for occupational therapy in Madison remains dynamic, reflecting the broader challenges and changes in the healthcare sector.
About the Madison Market
Salary estimated from Alabama average ($85,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,149 | $33.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $78,148 | $37.58 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $94,217 | $45.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $109,774 | $52.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $123,572 | $59.41 |
Median Salary Position
8.88% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Madison
In Madison, AL, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $54,423 (2026 est.). At $94,217, the local median is 8.88% below the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Madison: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Madison Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Madison median: $94,217/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Madison Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama Average | $96,633 | -2.50% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | -8.88% less |
Occupational Therapists in Madison, AL earn a median of $94,217 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.88% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 2.50% below the Alabama state average of $96,633.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Madison has a cost of living 12.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Madison, AL has a cost-of-living index of 87.9 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $94,217 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $107,187 in an average-cost city — an effective 13.77% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$77,406
2025 BLS Actual
$91,420
2026 Current Est.
$94,217
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Madison (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $77,406 | Actual |
| 2020 | $78,618 | Actual |
| 2021 | $77,971 | Actual |
| 2022 | $84,905 | Actual |
| 2023 | $87,812 | Actual |
| 2024 | $72,846 | Actual |
| 2025 | $91,420 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $94,217 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $97,101 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Madison metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $77,406 (2019) to $91,420 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $97,101 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,695 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Madison 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $69,149 – $78,148 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $78,148 – $94,217 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $94,217 – $109,774 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $109,774 – $123,572 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Madison
When examining the local job market, Madison has a modest workforce of 9 employed occupational therapists, creating a tight-knit community. The cost of living index in Madison sits at 87.9, indicating that the purchasing power of these salaries may stretch further compared to national averages. Among local employers, skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehabilitation units typically offer the highest salaries, while school district contracts generally provide the lowest. Factors contributing to pay variability include workplace setting, specialized certifications such as the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential, and the implications of productivity expectations in different settings. To maximize earnings, occupational therapists in Madison should consider targeting facilities that value specialized skills, seek additional certifications, and navigate contracts that favor year-round employment over school-year placements.
More salary data for Madison, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Madison, AL in 2026?
Is Madison, AL a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Madison?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Madison?
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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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $91,420 for occupational therapistsin the Madison metropolitan area. A 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Madison 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