Occupational Therapist Salary in Albany, GA: $101,076 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Albany, GA earns a median $101,076/year (≈ $48.59/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Albany's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.1), that paycheck buys what $108,567 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the Georgia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapists in Albany, Georgia, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $101,076 in 2026. This salary reflects a competitive range from $68,672 at the 10th percentile to $129,106 at the 90th percentile, indicating a solid earning potential for professionals in the field. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local economic conditions in Albany. The strong salaries are particularly relevant for those choosing between employment settings such as hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, or educational institutions, as these choices can significantly impact compensation levels. With a projected growth rate of 3.06%, the job market for occupational therapists in Albany appears promising, potentially providing numerous opportunities for new graduates and seasoned practitioners alike.
About the Albany Market
Salary estimated from Georgia average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,672 | $33.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $85,768 | $41.23 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $101,076 | $48.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $115,999 | $55.77 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $129,106 | $62.07 |
Median Salary Position
2.25% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Albany
In Albany, GA, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $60,434 (2026 est.). At $101,076, the local median is 2.25% below the national median of $103,400.
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At 40 hours/week in Albany: You'd be above the median
How Albany Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Albany median: $101,076/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Albany Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia Average | $101,994 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | -2.25% less |
Occupational Therapists in Albany, GA earn a median of $101,076 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.25% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 0.90% below the Georgia state average of $101,994.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Albany has a cost of living 6.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Albany, GA has a cost-of-living index of 93.1 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $101,076 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $108,567 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.41% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$83,041
2025 BLS Actual
$98,075
2026 Current Est.
$101,076
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Albany (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $83,041 | Actual |
| 2020 | $84,341 | Actual |
| 2021 | $83,647 | Actual |
| 2022 | $92,610 | Actual |
| 2023 | $94,204 | Actual |
| 2024 | $97,620 | Actual |
| 2025 | $98,075 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $101,076 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $104,169 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Albany metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $83,041 (2019) to $98,075 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $104,169 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,128 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Albany 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) | $68,672 – $85,768 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $85,768 – $101,076 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $101,076 – $115,999 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $115,999 – $129,106 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Albany
In Albany, the local job market for occupational therapists currently comprises about 12 employed professionals, creating a tight-knit community within this healthcare specialty. The cost-of-living index sits at 93.1, suggesting that while the salaries may seem slightly below the national average, they can provide a comfortable lifestyle when adjusted for local expenses. Those looking for the highest occupational therapist pay in Albany GA might find hospital inpatient rehabilitation roles lead the way, as these positions generally offer more robust compensation than those in schools or outpatient therapy settings. Critical factors influencing salary variability include board certifications, particularly the CHT credential, which can lead to higher pay, and the distinctions between year-round versus school-year contracts. To maximize earnings, developing specialized skills or certifications, understanding employer needs, and considering diverse settings—such as mental health facilities or home health agencies—can enhance salary potential in Albany's job market.
More salary data for Albany, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Albany, GA in 2026?
Is Albany, GA a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Albany?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Albany?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Albany?
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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 $98,075 for occupational therapistsin the Albany 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 Albany 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