Occupational Therapist Salary in Fort Collins, CO: $105,688 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Fort Collins, CO earns a median $105,688/year (≈ $50.81/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Fort Collins's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 101.1), that paycheck buys what $104,509 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.1% below the Colorado state average.
Official BLS data · View source
Occupational therapists in Fort Collins, Colorado, can expect a median annual salary of $105,688 in 2026, reflecting a competitive position in the labor market. This salary is indicative of the demand for skilled practitioners in the area, especially following the impact of Medicare cuts on skilled nursing facility and outpatient therapy compensation since 2022. The projected salary range spans from $86,653 at the tenth percentile to $130,000 at the ninetieth percentile, derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS surveys. Compared to the national median of $103,400, the occupational therapist salary in Fort Collins is approximately 2.21% higher, showcasing the region's robust economic landscape for healthcare professionals.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $86,653 | $41.67 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $89,085 | $42.83 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $105,688 | $50.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $113,696 | $54.66 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $130,000 | $62.51 |
Median Salary Position
2.21% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fort Collins
In Fort Collins, CO, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $43,347 (2026 est.). At $105,688, the local median is 2.21% above the national median of $103,400.
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At 40 hours/week in Fort Collins: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Fort Collins Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Fort Collins median: $105,688/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fort Collins Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $109,069 | -3.10% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | +2.21% more |
Occupational Therapists in Fort Collins, CO earn a median of $105,688 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.21% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 3.10% below the Colorado state average of $109,069.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fort Collins has a cost of living 1.13% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fort Collins, CO has a cost-of-living index of 101.128 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $105,688 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $104,509 — a 1.12% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$79,790
2025 BLS Actual
$102,550
2026 Current Est.
$105,688
2019–2027 Growth
+36.5%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Fort Collins (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $79,790 | Actual |
| 2020 | $81,640 | Actual |
| 2021 | $78,930 | Actual |
| 2022 | $91,660 | Actual |
| 2023 | $101,090 | Actual |
| 2024 | $105,090 | Actual |
| 2025 | $102,550 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $105,688 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $108,922 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fort Collins metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 28.5% from $79,790 (2019) to $102,550 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $108,922 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,132 (36.51%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fort Collins 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) | $86,653 – $89,085 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $89,085 – $105,688 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $105,688 – $113,696 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $113,696 – $130,000 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Fort Collins
As the local demand for occupational therapists continues to grow, job opportunities are becoming increasingly available across various settings, including skilled nursing facilities, hospital inpatient rehab, and outpatient clinics. With a cost-of-living index slightly above the national average at 101.128, financial considerations such as housing and daily expenses remain relevant for individuals assessing how much do occupational therapists make in Fort Collins. Facilities such as hospitals often offer the highest pay, while school districts and home health agencies may present lower salary options. Variability in compensation can also be influenced by factors like board certifications, productivity expectations, and the nature of yearly contracts. For occupational therapists aiming to maximize their income in Fort Collins, pursuing specialized certifications like the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential can enhance earning potential, especially in high-demand therapy environments.
More salary data for Fort Collins, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Fort Collins, CO in 2026?
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Can occupational therapists make $100K in Fort Collins?
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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 $102,550 for occupational therapistsin the Fort Collins 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