Occupational Therapist Salary in Wilmington, DE: $108,112 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Wilmington, DE earns a median $108,112/year (≈ $51.97/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Wilmington's price level (2% above national, BEA RPP 101.7), that paycheck buys what $106,305 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.8% above the Delaware state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wilmington, Delaware, the 2026 median annual salary for occupational therapists is projected at $108,112, reflecting a competitive position in the local job market compared to the national median of $103,400. Salaries in this field vary significantly, with a range from $76,275 at the 10th percentile to $137,679 at the 90th percentile. These estimates are derived from state-level data and include adjustments for the regional cost of living, which is slightly above the national average. Such figures indicate a robust demand for skilled therapists, particularly those who may hold specialty certifications, such as the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT), which can command a premium in salary.
About the Wilmington Market
Salary estimated from Delaware average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,275 | $36.67 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $87,368 | $42.01 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $108,112 | $51.97 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $123,826 | $59.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $137,679 | $66.20 |
Median Salary Position
4.56% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wilmington
In Wilmington, DE, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $61,404 (2026 est.). At $108,112, the local median is 4.56% above the national median of $103,400.
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At 40 hours/week in Wilmington: You'd be above the median
How Wilmington Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Wilmington median: $108,112/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Wilmington Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Delaware Average | $105,167 | +2.80% more |
| National Average | $103,400 | +4.56% more |
Occupational Therapists in Wilmington, DE earn a median of $108,112 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.56% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 2.80% above the Delaware state average of $105,167.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Wilmington has a cost of living 1.70% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Wilmington, DE has a cost-of-living index of 101.7 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $108,112 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $106,305 — a 1.67% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$88,821
2025 BLS Actual
$104,902
2026 Current Est.
$108,112
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Wilmington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $88,821 | Actual |
| 2020 | $90,212 | Actual |
| 2021 | $89,469 | Actual |
| 2022 | $97,426 | Actual |
| 2023 | $100,762 | Actual |
| 2024 | $94,210 | Actual |
| 2025 | $104,902 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $108,112 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $111,420 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Wilmington metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $88,821 (2019) to $104,902 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $111,420 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,599 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wilmington 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) | $76,275 – $87,368 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $87,368 – $108,112 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $108,112 – $123,826 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $123,826 – $137,679 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Wilmington
The local employment landscape reports that Wilmington is home to about 10 occupational therapists, presenting a relatively small but specialized market. With a cost-of-living index of 101.7, expenses in this area may impact take-home pay, urging therapists to consider their compensation in light of these additional costs. In Wilmington, settings such as hospital inpatient rehabilitation centers and outpatient hand therapy clinics typically offer the highest salaries. Factors contributing to the pay range include the therapist's setting; for instance, positions in hospitals tend to pay more than those in schools or skilled nursing facilities. Additional professional credentials, productivity expectations, and the structure of contracts, such as school-year versus year-round, also play significant roles in determining pay. Therapists aiming to maximize their salaries would benefit from pursuing specialty certifications and considering employment in high-paying environments while being aware of prevailing regional economic conditions.
More salary data for Wilmington, DE:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Wilmington, DE in 2026?
Is Wilmington, DE a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Wilmington?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Wilmington?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Wilmington?
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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 $104,902 for occupational therapistsin the Wilmington 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 Wilmington 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