Occupational Therapist Salary in Goodyear, AZ: $106,308 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Goodyear, AZ earns a median $106,308/year (≈ $51.11/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Goodyear's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $107,927 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.4% below the Arizona state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Occupational therapists in Goodyear, Arizona, can expect a median annual salary of $106,308 in 2026, slightly above the projected national average of $103,400. The salary range for this profession locally varies dramatically, spanning from $72,744 at the 10th percentile to as high as $144,006 at the 90th percentile. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost of living, highlight the varying opportunities based on the work setting. In Goodyear, occupational therapists find themselves weighing options between different environments, such as hospitals, school districts, and skilled nursing facilities, with the potential for year-round positions as opposed to academic-year contracts. As the demand for therapy services continues to grow, understanding these nuances is crucial for career planning in this city.
About the Goodyear Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($93,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,744 | $34.97 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $84,543 | $40.65 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $106,308 | $51.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $122,556 | $58.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $144,006 | $69.24 |
Median Salary Position
2.81% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Goodyear
In Goodyear, AZ, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $71,262 (2026 est.). At $106,308, the local median is 2.81% above the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Goodyear: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Goodyear Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Goodyear median: $106,308/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Goodyear Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Average | $106,735 | -0.40% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | +2.81% more |
Occupational Therapists in Goodyear, AZ earn a median of $106,308 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.81% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 0.40% below the Arizona state average of $106,735.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Goodyear has a cost of living 1.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Goodyear, AZ has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $106,308 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $107,927 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$87,339
2025 BLS Actual
$103,152
2026 Current Est.
$106,308
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Goodyear (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $87,339 | Actual |
| 2020 | $88,707 | Actual |
| 2021 | $87,977 | Actual |
| 2022 | $95,801 | Actual |
| 2023 | $99,081 | Actual |
| 2024 | $91,266 | Actual |
| 2025 | $103,152 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $106,308 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $109,561 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Goodyear metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $87,339 (2019) to $103,152 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $109,561 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,222 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Goodyear 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) | $72,744 – $84,543 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $84,543 – $106,308 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $106,308 – $122,556 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $122,556 – $144,006 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Goodyear
With only 15 occupational therapists currently employed in Goodyear, the local job market presents a tight-knit community with its unique dynamics. The cost of living index stands at 98.5, which indicates that the purchasing power for salaries in this region aligns well with the overall economic environment, leaving therapists with a comfortable margin despite the regional variations in pay. Among various employers, skilled nursing facilities typically offer the highest compensation, followed closely by hospital inpatient rehab services. Factors influencing salary disparities include workplace setting, board certifications such as Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) designations, and differences in productivity expectations. Maximizing salary potential in Goodyear can be approached through pursuing areas with the greatest demand and, where possible, obtaining specialized certifications that can enhance pay. Understanding this local market context will empower occupational therapists to strategically position themselves for the best opportunities available.
More salary data for Goodyear, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Goodyear, AZ in 2026?
Is Goodyear, AZ a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Goodyear?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Goodyear?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Goodyear?
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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 $103,152 for occupational therapistsin the Goodyear 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 Goodyear 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