Occupational Therapist Salary in Brighton, CO: $103,914 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Brighton, CO earns a median $103,914/year (≈ $49.96/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Brighton's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $98,966 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.7% below the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
2026 data projects that the median annual occupational therapist salary in Brighton, CO, will be $103,914, slightly surpassing the national median of $103,400. The salary range will vary significantly from $78,254 at the P10 to $135,442 at the P90 level, reflecting the diverse settings in which occupational therapists operate. This data, derived from BLS state-level estimates and adjusted for regional cost variations, provides a revealing snapshot of compensation trends post-2022, particularly as Medicare cuts have influenced the financial landscape for skilled nursing facilities and outpatient therapy services. Adjustments to funding models and a growing demand for OT services can create a dynamic market for job seekers in Brighton.
About the Brighton Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($90,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,254 | $37.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $87,240 | $41.95 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $103,914 | $49.96 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $121,217 | $58.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $135,442 | $65.11 |
Median Salary Position
0.50% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Brighton
In Brighton, CO, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $57,188 (2026 est.). At $103,914, the local median is 0.5% above the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Brighton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Brighton Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Brighton median: $103,914/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Brighton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $109,039 | -4.70% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | +0.50% more |
Occupational Therapists in Brighton, CO earn a median of $103,914 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.50% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 4.70% below the Colorado state average of $109,039.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Brighton has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Brighton, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $103,914 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $98,966 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$85,373
2025 BLS Actual
$100,829
2026 Current Est.
$103,914
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Brighton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $85,373 | Actual |
| 2020 | $86,709 | Actual |
| 2021 | $85,996 | Actual |
| 2022 | $93,643 | Actual |
| 2023 | $96,849 | Actual |
| 2024 | $90,077 | Actual |
| 2025 | $100,829 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $103,914 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $107,094 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Brighton metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $85,373 (2019) to $100,829 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $107,094 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,721 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brighton 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) | $78,254 – $87,240 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $87,240 – $103,914 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $103,914 – $121,217 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $121,217 – $135,442 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Brighton
In Brighton, the job market for occupational therapists appears stable, with only seven professionals employed in the area. The cost-of-living index stands at 105, indicating that while salaries may be competitive, the purchasing power could be impacted by housing and daily expenses. Employers that typically offer higher compensation include skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehabilitation centers, reflecting the greater responsibilities and complexities associated with these roles. The disparity in salaries often hinges on various factors, such as certifications—especially for those with the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential—which can command higher wages. Additionally, productivity demands and the specifics of employment contracts, whether tied to academic years or continuous operations, further influence compensation dynamics. For those looking to maximize their earnings in Brighton, pursuing specialized certifications and considering diverse employment settings could be advantageous in a competitive market.
More salary data for Brighton, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Brighton, CO in 2026?
Is Brighton, CO a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Brighton?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Brighton?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Brighton?
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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 $100,829 for occupational therapistsin the Brighton 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 Brighton 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