Occupational Therapist Salary in District of Columbia: $106,111 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across District of Columbia's 1 metropolitan areas, the average median occupational therapist pay sits at $106,111/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-1122. Because District of Columbia sits at BEA RPP 117.0 (17% above the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $90,693 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Washington ($102,960).
In the District of Columbia, the projected average median salary for occupational therapists in 2026 is $106,111, which is 2.6% higher than the national median of $103,400. Washington, the only major city within the District, reflects this same average salary of $106,111, indicating no pay disparity within the area. The demand for occupational therapists is anticipated to grow at an annual rate of 3.06%, driven by increased healthcare needs and an aging population. Licensing requirements in the District of Columbia are aligned with national standards, ensuring that therapists obtain the necessary credentials to practice. Scope of practice laws are designed to empower occupational therapists in their roles, which can enhance job satisfaction and improve patient outcomes. The stability and growth of the job market for occupational therapists in the District are strongly influenced by the concentration of healthcare facilities and a commitment to patient rehabilitation services. Overall, prospective occupational therapists can expect to find opportunities that align with competitive compensation and a supportive regulatory framework in the District of Columbia, positioning them well for a successful career.
District of Columbia Occupational Therapist Salary Range
Overall salary range in District of Columbia: $82,087 (lowest entry-level) to $142,377 (highest top earner)
District of Columbia vs National Average
District of Columbia occupational therapists earn 2.62% more than the national median (+$2,711/year difference).
District of Columbia Occupational Therapist Salary Distribution (2026)
Occupational Therapist salaries in District of Columbia range from $82,087 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $142,377 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $106,111. The District of Columbia median is $2,711 above the US national median of $103,400. The average hourly rate is $51.01/hr. Approximately 2,640 occupational therapists are employed across 1 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$94,310
2025 BLS Actual
$102,960
2026 Current Est.
$106,111
2019–2027 Growth
+16.0%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in District of Columbia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $94,310 | Actual |
| 2020 | $96,200 | Actual |
| 2021 | $99,640 | Actual |
| 2022 | $103,280 | Actual |
| 2023 | $105,330 | Actual |
| 2024 | $105,010 | Actual |
| 2025 | $102,960 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $106,111 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $109,358 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the District of Columbia metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 9.2% from $94,310 (2019) to $102,960 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $109,358 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,048 (15.96%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the District of Columbia 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.
Top 1 Highest Paying Cities in District of Columbia
Salary by Experience Level in District of Columbia
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $82,087 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $106,111 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $142,377 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across District of Columbia metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 1 Cities in District of Columbia
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Washington | $106,111 |
More District of Columbia Salary Data
Explore More Occupational Therapist Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in District of Columbia in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for occupational therapists in District of Columbia?
How does District of Columbia occupational therapist pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level occupational therapist salary in District of Columbia?
How many occupational therapists are employed in District of Columbia?
Which District of Columbia city offers the best value for occupational therapists?
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
Statewide 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. A 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 occupational therapist compensation across District of Columbia. State averages are employment-weighted across 1 metro areas — larger metro areas with more occupational therapistscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
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