Occupational Therapist Salary in Stamford, CT: $107,007 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Stamford, CT earns a median $107,007/year (≈ $51.45/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Stamford's price level (8% above national, BEA RPP 107.9), that paycheck buys what $99,172 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.1% above the Connecticut state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Stamford, Connecticut, the projected median annual salary for an occupational therapist is set at $107,007 for 2026, reflecting a slight increase when compared to the national median of $103,400. The salary range for this profession in Stamford shows variability, with figures spanning from $77,185 at the 10th percentile to $143,259 at the 90th percentile. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional cost factors, highlight that despite potential cuts and impacts from Medicare on skilled nursing facilities and outpatient therapy, the compensation for occupational therapists remains competitive in the Stamford market. Professionals in this area can expect financial rewards that align well with their qualifications and the demands modern therapy settings require.
About the Stamford Market
Salary estimated from Connecticut average ($95,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,185 | $37.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $88,106 | $42.36 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $107,007 | $51.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $126,228 | $60.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $143,259 | $68.87 |
Median Salary Position
3.49% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Stamford
In Stamford, CT, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $66,074 (2026 est.). At $107,007, the local median is 3.49% above the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Stamford: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Stamford Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Stamford median: $107,007/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Stamford Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut Average | $105,843 | +1.10% more |
| National Average | $103,400 | +3.49% more |
Occupational Therapists in Stamford, CT earn a median of $107,007 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.49% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 1.10% above the Connecticut state average of $105,843.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Stamford has a cost of living 7.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Stamford, CT has a cost-of-living index of 107.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $107,007 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $99,172 — a 7.32% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$87,913
2025 BLS Actual
$103,830
2026 Current Est.
$107,007
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Stamford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $87,913 | Actual |
| 2020 | $89,290 | Actual |
| 2021 | $88,555 | Actual |
| 2022 | $96,431 | Actual |
| 2023 | $99,732 | Actual |
| 2024 | $102,143 | Actual |
| 2025 | $103,830 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $107,007 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $110,282 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Stamford metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $87,913 (2019) to $103,830 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $110,282 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,369 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Stamford 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) | $77,185 – $88,106 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $88,106 – $107,007 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $107,007 – $126,228 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $126,228 – $143,259 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Stamford
With a current count of 27 occupational therapists employed locally, Stamford supports a robust job market for this profession. The cost of living index, which stands at 107.9, indicates a higher living expense compared to the national average, emphasizing the importance of understanding take-home purchasing power in the area. Key employers such as skilled nursing facilities typically offer salaries that rank higher than those in schools or outpatient clinics, although the latter can also provide competitive compensation depending on certifications like the CHT credential. The variance in pay often relates to workplace settings, with hospitals generally offering greater earnings than school districts or SNFs due to different productivity expectations and contract structures. For occupational therapy professionals looking to maximize their pay in Stamford CT, pursuing further certifications and focusing on high-demand settings can enhance both job satisfaction and financial well-being.
More salary data for Stamford, CT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Stamford, CT in 2026?
Is Stamford, CT a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Stamford?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Stamford?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Stamford?
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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 $103,830 for occupational therapistsin the Stamford 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 Stamford 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