Occupational Therapist Salary in Boulder, CO: $127,269 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Boulder, CO earns a median $127,269/year (≈ $61.19/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Boulder's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.2), that paycheck buys what $120,976 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 16.7% above the Colorado state average.
Official BLS data · View source
Occupational therapists in Boulder, Colorado, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $127,269 in 2026, reflecting a significant rate above the national average of $103,400. The salary range for this profession varies widely, with entry-level positions offering around $88,539, and experienced therapists able to command as much as $180,139, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data. Despite anticipated cuts to Medicare reimbursement, impacting many skilled nursing facilities and outpatient practices post-2022, the demand for occupational therapy services remains robust in Boulder, bolstered by its vibrant healthcare sector and an increasing awareness of rehabilitation needs in the community.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $88,539 | $42.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $107,028 | $51.46 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $127,269 | $61.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $139,533 | $67.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $180,139 | $86.61 |
Median Salary Position
23.08% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Boulder
In Boulder, CO, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $91,600 (2026 est.). At $127,269, the local median is 23.08% above the national median of $103,400.
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At 40 hours/week in Boulder: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Boulder Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Boulder median: $127,269/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Boulder Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $109,056 | +16.70% more |
| National Average | $103,400 | +23.08% more |
Occupational Therapists in Boulder, CO earn a median of $127,269 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.08% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 16.70% above the Colorado state average of $109,056.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Boulder has a cost of living 5.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Boulder, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105.202 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $127,269 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $120,976 — a 4.94% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$93,890
2025 BLS Actual
$123,490
2026 Current Est.
$127,269
2019–2027 Growth
+39.7%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Boulder (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $93,890 | Actual |
| 2020 | $93,910 | Actual |
| 2021 | $96,180 | Actual |
| 2022 | $97,760 | Actual |
| 2023 | $97,570 | Actual |
| 2024 | $108,410 | Actual |
| 2025 | $123,490 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $127,269 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $131,163 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Boulder metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 31.5% from $93,890 (2019) to $123,490 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $131,163 by 2027 — a total increase of $37,273 (39.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Boulder 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) | $88,539 – $107,028 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $107,028 – $127,269 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $127,269 – $139,533 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $139,533 – $180,139 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Boulder
Currently, there are about 260 occupational therapists working in Boulder, which helps shape a competitive job market. The cost-of-living index in Boulder is 105.202, meaning that while salaries may be higher than the national average, expenses are also elevated. Employers in settings such as hospital inpatient rehabilitation tend to offer the most competitive pay, followed by outpatient clinics specializing in hand therapy, which seeks therapists with specialized certifications like Certified Hand Therapist (CHT). The variation in occupational therapist pay in Boulder is influenced by factors such as the setting—hospitals typically compensate better than schools or skilled nursing facilities—the presence of board certifications, and the impact of prevailing Medicare policies. For those looking to maximize their earning potential, obtaining relevant specialties, negotiating contracts mindful of productivity expectations, or pursuing year-round positions could provide a significant financial advantage in this active market.
More salary data for Boulder, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Boulder, CO in 2026?
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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 $123,490 for occupational therapistsin the Boulder 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