Occupational Therapist Salary in Idaho: $101,169 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Idaho's 16 metropolitan areas, the average median occupational therapist pay sits at $101,169/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-1122. Because Idaho sits at BEA RPP 95.3 (5% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $106,158 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Boise ($101,603), Nampa ($100,834), Coeur d'Alene ($100,640).
In Idaho, the projected average median salary for occupational therapists in 2026 is $101,169, which is about 2.2% lower than the national median of $103,400. The highest-paying city in the state is Boise, where salaries are expected to reach $104,712, while Pocatello offers the lowest average salary at $93,517, resulting in a salary gap of $11,195 between these two locations. This difference can be attributed to factors such as cost of living, local demand for services, and the availability of healthcare facilities. Idaho has specific state licensing requirements and scope of practice laws that influence occupational therapy practice. Occupational therapists must complete an accredited program and pass a national certification exam to obtain licensure in the state. Demand for occupational therapy services is on the rise due to an aging population, increased awareness of mental health issues, and expansion of healthcare services. The job market is projected to grow at an annual rate of 3.06%. With a total of 853 occupational therapists employed statewide, Idaho’s labor market indicates a healthy outlook for the profession. The five projected top cities for salaries in 2026 are Boise ($104,712), Nampa ($103,920), Coeur d'Alene ($103,720), Twin Falls ($103,379), and Caldwell ($101,813), showcasing a diverse range of opportunities across the state.
Idaho Occupational Therapist Salary Range
Overall salary range in Idaho: $49,974 (lowest entry-level) to $165,669 (highest top earner)
Idaho vs National Average
Idaho occupational therapists earn 2.16% less than the national median ($-2,231/year difference).
Idaho Occupational Therapist Salary Distribution (2026)
Occupational Therapist salaries in Idaho range from $73,671 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $148,062 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $101,169. The Idaho median is $2,231 below the US national median of $103,400. The average hourly rate is $48.64/hr. Approximately 853 occupational therapists are employed across 16 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$86,384
2025 BLS Actual
$98,165
2026 Current Est.
$101,169
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Idaho (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $86,384 | Actual |
| 2020 | $84,637 | Actual |
| 2021 | $78,516 | Actual |
| 2022 | $82,345 | Actual |
| 2023 | $87,214 | Actual |
| 2024 | $87,258 | Actual |
| 2025 | $98,165 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $101,169 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $104,265 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Idaho metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 13.6% from $86,384 (2019) to $98,165 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $104,265 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,881 (20.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Idaho 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 5 Highest Paying Cities in Idaho
Lowest Paying Cities in Idaho
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Pocatello | $93,517 |
| Mountain Home | $95,251 |
| Eagle | $96,197 |
| Post Falls | $97,099 |
| Lewiston | $97,146 |
Best Value Cities for Occupational Therapists in Idaho
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Idaho cities offer the most purchasing power for occupational therapists.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twin Falls | $103,379 | 92.108 | $112,237 |
| Boise | $104,712 | 95.3 | $109,876 |
| Nampa | $103,920 | 95.3 | $109,045 |
| Caldwell | $101,813 | 95.3 | $106,834 |
| Meridian | $101,397 | 95.3 | $106,398 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Idaho
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $73,671 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $101,169 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $148,062 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Idaho metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 16 Cities in Idaho
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Boise | $104,712 |
| 2 | Nampa | $103,920 |
| 3 | Coeur d'Alene | $103,720 |
| 4 | Twin Falls | $103,379 |
| 5 | Caldwell | $101,813 |
| 6 | Meridian | $101,397 |
| 7 | Boise City | $101,019 |
| 8 | Rexburg | $100,070 |
| 9 | Moscow | $98,494 |
| 10 | Kuna | $97,695 |
| 11 | Idaho Falls | $97,371 |
| 12 | Lewiston | $97,146 |
| 13 | Post Falls | $97,099 |
| 14 | Eagle | $96,197 |
| 15 | Mountain Home | $95,251 |
| 16 | Pocatello | $93,517 |
More Idaho Salary Data
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced occupational therapists.
Explore More Occupational Therapist Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Idaho in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for occupational therapists in Idaho?
How does Idaho occupational therapist pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level occupational therapist salary in Idaho?
How many occupational therapists are employed in Idaho?
Which Idaho 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 Idaho. State averages are employment-weighted across 16 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