Occupational Therapist Salary in Alaska: $106,753 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Alaska's 5 metropolitan areas, the average median occupational therapist pay sits at $106,753/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-1122. Because Alaska sits at BEA RPP 106.1 (6% above the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $100,615 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Juneau ($105,235), Fairbanks ($103,850), Anchorage ($103,680).
In 2026, the average median salary for occupational therapists in Alaska is projected to be $106,753, which is 3.2% higher than the national median of $103,400. The highest-paying city in the state is Juneau, with a projected salary of $108,455, while Sitka has the lowest expected salary at $101,355, reflecting a salary gap of $7,100. This difference can be driven by various factors, including the cost of living, demand for healthcare services, and competition among employers in those areas. In Alaska, occupational therapists must meet state licensing requirements, which include obtaining a degree from an accredited program and passing the NBCOT exam. The scope of practice laws may also vary, impacting job functions. Additionally, the demand for occupational therapy professionals is fueled by the state’s unique geographical challenges, an aging population, and a growing emphasis on rehabilitation services. The job market for occupational therapists in Alaska is expected to grow at an annual rate of 3.06%, indicating a stable outlook for this profession. Key metropolitan areas for employment include Juneau, Fairbanks with a salary of $107,028, Anchorage at $106,853, and Wasilla at $101,421, all of which reflect an encouraging climate for prospective occupational therapists in the state.
Alaska Occupational Therapist Salary Range
Overall salary range in Alaska: $75,535 (lowest entry-level) to $160,475 (highest top earner)
Alaska vs National Average
Alaska occupational therapists earn 3.24% more than the national median (+$3,353/year difference).
Alaska Occupational Therapist Salary Distribution (2026)
Occupational Therapist salaries in Alaska range from $84,783 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $139,794 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $106,753. The Alaska median is $3,353 above the US national median of $103,400. The average hourly rate is $51.33/hr. Approximately 345 occupational therapists are employed across 5 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$90,950
2025 BLS Actual
$103,583
2026 Current Est.
$106,753
2019–2027 Growth
+21.0%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Alaska (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $90,950 | Actual |
| 2020 | $93,430 | Actual |
| 2021 | $98,413 | Actual |
| 2022 | $99,590 | Actual |
| 2023 | $105,675 | Actual |
| 2024 | $100,195 | Actual |
| 2025 | $103,583 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $106,753 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $110,020 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Alaska metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 13.9% from $90,950 (2019) to $103,583 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $110,020 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,070 (20.97%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Alaska 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 Alaska
Best Value Cities for Occupational Therapists in Alaska
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Alaska cities offer the most purchasing power for occupational therapists.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fairbanks | $107,028 | 103.208 | $103,701 |
| Juneau | $108,455 | 106.1 | $102,220 |
| Anchorage | $106,853 | 105.42 | $101,359 |
| Wasilla | $101,421 | 106.1 | $95,590 |
| Sitka | $101,355 | 106.1 | $95,528 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Alaska
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $84,783 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $106,753 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $139,794 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Alaska metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 5 Cities in Alaska
More Alaska Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore occupational therapist hourly pay in Alaska 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 Alaska in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for occupational therapists in Alaska?
How does Alaska occupational therapist pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level occupational therapist salary in Alaska?
How many occupational therapists are employed in Alaska?
Which Alaska 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 Alaska. State averages are employment-weighted across 5 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