Occupational Therapist Salary in Milford, CT: $103,459 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Milford, CT earns a median $103,459/year (≈ $49.74/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Milford's price level (8% above national, BEA RPP 107.9), that paycheck buys what $95,884 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.2% below the Connecticut state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Milford, Connecticut, the projected median annual salary for occupational therapists in 2026 stands at $103,459, slightly above the national median of $103,400. This income is accompanied by a salary range that stretches from $76,395 at the 10th percentile to $140,046 at the 90th percentile, indicating a diverse earning potential within the profession. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost variations, reflect the local job market's response to significant factors such as changes in Medicare reimbursement, which have notably impacted compensation in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and outpatient therapy services since 2022. Despite these challenges, Milford's occupational therapy sector provides a promising environment for professionals seeking employment in a region with distinct market dynamics.
About the Milford Market
Salary estimated from Connecticut average ($95,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,395 | $36.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $86,161 | $41.42 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $103,459 | $49.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $123,154 | $59.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $140,046 | $67.33 |
Median Salary Position
0.06% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Milford
In Milford, CT, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $63,651 (2026 est.). At $103,459, the local median is 0.06% above the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Milford: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Milford Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Milford median: $103,459/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Milford Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut Average | $105,786 | -2.20% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | +0.06% more |
Occupational Therapists in Milford, CT earn a median of $103,459 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.06% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 2.20% below the Connecticut state average of $105,786.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Milford has a cost of living 7.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Milford, CT has a cost-of-living index of 107.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $103,459 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $95,884 — a 7.32% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$84,998
2025 BLS Actual
$100,387
2026 Current Est.
$103,459
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Milford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $84,998 | Actual |
| 2020 | $86,329 | Actual |
| 2021 | $85,619 | Actual |
| 2022 | $93,233 | Actual |
| 2023 | $96,425 | Actual |
| 2024 | $100,226 | Actual |
| 2025 | $100,387 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $103,459 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $106,625 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Milford metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $84,998 (2019) to $100,387 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $106,625 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,627 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Milford 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) | $76,395 – $86,161 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $86,161 – $103,459 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $103,459 – $123,154 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $123,154 – $140,046 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Milford
The job market for occupational therapists in Milford features a relatively small workforce, with only nine practitioners currently employed in the area. This limited cohort should not discourage new entrants, as the local cost of living index is pegged at 107.9, suggesting higher expenses may influence take-home pay. Among potential employers, skilled nursing facilities typically provide the lowest compensation levels, whereas hospital inpatient rehabilitation and outpatient clinics yield higher rates, especially for those holding the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential, which attracts a substantial premium. Variations in occupational therapist pay in Milford CT are largely determined by practice setting, employment expectations, and productivity pressures—factors that can significantly widen the gap between lower and upper salary limits. To maximize earning potential, individuals should consider specializing, actively networking with local healthcare providers, and seeking positions with flexible arrangements or year-round contracts.
More salary data for Milford, CT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Milford, CT in 2026?
Is Milford, CT a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Milford?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Milford?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Milford?
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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 $100,387 for occupational therapistsin the Milford 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 Milford 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