Occupational Therapist Salary in Tucson, AZ: $104,008 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Tucson, AZ earns a median $104,008/year (≈ $50.00/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Tucson's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 96.9), that paycheck buys what $107,340 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.5% below the Arizona state average.
Official BLS data · View source
Occupational therapist salary in Tucson, AZ, is projected to reach a median annual figure of $104,008 in 2026, which aligns closely with the national median of $103,400. The anticipated salary range for occupational therapists in this region extends from $83,015 at the 10th percentile up to $128,887 at the 90th percentile. These figures, derived from projections based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, reflect the ongoing impacts of Medicare cuts on skilled nursing facilities (SNF) and outpatient therapy compensation post-2022. As Tucson continues to evolve as a healthcare hub, the demand for qualified occupational therapists remains robust, influencing competitive compensation structures.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $83,015 | $39.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $89,673 | $43.11 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $104,008 | $50.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $121,652 | $58.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $128,887 | $61.96 |
Median Salary Position
0.59% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Tucson
In Tucson, AZ, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $45,872 (2026 est.). At $104,008, the local median is 0.59% above the national median of $103,400.
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At 40 hours/week in Tucson: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Tucson Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Tucson median: $104,008/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Tucson Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Average | $106,675 | -2.50% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | +0.59% more |
Occupational Therapists in Tucson, AZ earn a median of $104,008 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.59% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 2.50% below the Arizona state average of $106,675.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Tucson has a cost of living 3.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Tucson, AZ has a cost-of-living index of 96.896 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $104,008 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $107,340 in an average-cost city — an effective 3.2% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$75,320
2025 BLS Actual
$100,920
2026 Current Est.
$104,008
2019–2027 Growth
+42.3%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Tucson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $75,320 | Actual |
| 2020 | $89,080 | Actual |
| 2021 | $79,540 | Actual |
| 2022 | $85,220 | Actual |
| 2023 | $92,690 | Actual |
| 2024 | $97,080 | Actual |
| 2025 | $100,920 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $104,008 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $107,191 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Tucson metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 34.0% from $75,320 (2019) to $100,920 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $107,191 by 2027 — a total increase of $31,871 (42.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tucson 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) | $83,015 – $89,673 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $89,673 – $104,008 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $104,008 – $121,652 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $121,652 – $128,887 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Tucson
In Tucson, a total of 310 occupational therapists are employed, which highlights a strong local job market. The cost-of-living index for the region stands at 96.896, signaling a more manageable financial landscape compared to national averages. Employers in Tucson that tend to offer the highest salaries include hospital inpatient rehabilitation facilities and specialized outpatient clinics, particularly for those with board certifications like Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) seeking the premium commands. Factors contributing to the variation in salaries involve workplace setting—hospital jobs typically offer higher pay compared to school district contracts or outpatient services—along with productivity expectations and contract differences (school-year versus year-round). To maximize earning potential, occupational therapists in Tucson should consider pursuing advanced certifications and seeking opportunities in higher-paying sectors such as acute care or specialty rehabilitation programs.
More salary data for Tucson, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Tucson, AZ in 2026?
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Can occupational therapists make $100K in Tucson?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Tucson?
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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 $100,920 for occupational therapistsin the Tucson 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
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