Occupational Therapist Salary in Peoria, AZ: $109,051 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Peoria, AZ earns a median $109,051/year (≈ $52.43/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Peoria's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $110,712 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.2% above the Arizona state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In the competitive field of occupational therapy in Peoria, AZ, the 2026 median annual salary stands at $109,051, reflecting a 5.47% premium over the national median of $103,400. The salary range for this profession in the city varies significantly, from $74,539 at the lower end (P10) to $151,618 at the upper end (P90). Local estimates derived from BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments indicate that employment opportunities are diverse, with placements primarily in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), and school districts. Understanding the structure of your employment—whether you're working year-round in hospitals or seasonally in schools—can greatly influence both earnings potential and job satisfaction in the Peoria market.
About the Peoria Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($93,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,539 | $35.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $86,585 | $41.63 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $109,051 | $52.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $125,456 | $60.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $151,618 | $72.89 |
Median Salary Position
5.47% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Peoria
In Peoria, AZ, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $77,079 (2026 est.). At $109,051, the local median is 5.47% above the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Peoria: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Peoria Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Peoria median: $109,051/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Peoria Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Average | $106,703 | +2.20% more |
| National Average | $103,400 | +5.47% more |
Occupational Therapists in Peoria, AZ earn a median of $109,051 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.47% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 2.20% above the Arizona state average of $106,703.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Peoria 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.
Peoria, AZ has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $109,051 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $110,712 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$89,592
2025 BLS Actual
$105,813
2026 Current Est.
$109,051
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Peoria (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $89,592 | Actual |
| 2020 | $90,995 | Actual |
| 2021 | $90,246 | Actual |
| 2022 | $98,272 | Actual |
| 2023 | $101,637 | Actual |
| 2024 | $93,620 | Actual |
| 2025 | $105,813 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $109,051 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $112,388 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Peoria metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $89,592 (2019) to $105,813 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $112,388 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,796 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Peoria 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) | $74,539 – $86,585 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $86,585 – $109,051 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $109,051 – $125,456 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $125,456 – $151,618 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Peoria
Looking at the job market in Peoria, 33 occupational therapists are currently employed, where the cost-of-living index at 98.5 indicates a slightly lower-than-average living expense that can enhance overall purchasing power. Among various employers, skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehab settings typically offer the highest salaries, while school contracts tend to pay less. Factors influencing the salary variability include the employment setting, the possibility of receiving stipends for advanced certifications like the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT), and distinct productivity expectations. Additionally, the annual growth rate of 3.06% suggests a stable future for the profession in the region. To maximize pay in Peoria, consider pursuing board certifications and specializing in high-demand areas, as these strategies can significantly enhance your occupational therapist pay in Peoria AZ.
More salary data for Peoria, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Peoria, AZ in 2026?
Is Peoria, AZ a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Peoria?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Peoria?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Peoria?
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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 $105,813 for occupational therapistsin the Peoria 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 Peoria 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