Occupational Therapist Salary in Murray, KY: $92,194 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Murray, KY earns a median $92,194/year (≈ $44.33/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Murray's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 89.3), that paycheck buys what $103,241 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.5% below the Kentucky state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Murray, Kentucky, the projected earnings for occupational therapists in 2026 indicate a median salary of $92,194. This figure reflects a range that spans from $73,578 at the 10th percentile to $115,424 at the 90th percentile, showcasing the breadth of potential compensation in this area. These estimates derive from the 2025 BLS state-level data with adjustments for local costs of living, which currently sit below the national average. Occupational therapists who hold certifications, particularly in specialty areas like hand therapy, can significantly enhance their earning capacity, providing a clear incentive for continued professional development in the field.
About the Murray Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,578 | $35.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $80,032 | $38.47 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $92,194 | $44.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $105,235 | $50.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $115,424 | $55.49 |
Median Salary Position
10.84% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Murray
In Murray, KY, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $41,846 (2026 est.). At $92,194, the local median is 10.84% below the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Murray: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Murray Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Murray median: $92,194/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Murray Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Average | $98,604 | -6.50% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | -10.84% less |
Occupational Therapists in Murray, KY earn a median of $92,194 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.84% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 6.50% below the Kentucky state average of $98,604.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Murray has a cost of living 10.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Murray, KY has a cost-of-living index of 89.3 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $92,194 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $103,241 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.98% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$75,744
2025 BLS Actual
$89,457
2026 Current Est.
$92,194
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Murray (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $75,744 | Actual |
| 2020 | $76,930 | Actual |
| 2021 | $76,297 | Actual |
| 2022 | $83,082 | Actual |
| 2023 | $85,926 | Actual |
| 2024 | $73,500 | Actual |
| 2025 | $89,457 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $92,194 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $95,016 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Murray metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $75,744 (2019) to $89,457 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $95,016 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,272 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Murray 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) | $73,578 – $80,032 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $80,032 – $92,194 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $92,194 – $105,235 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $105,235 – $115,424 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Murray
Considering the local job market in Murray, the employment of only four occupational therapists points to a niche sector with limited competition, which could contribute to better job stability. With a cost-of-living index of 89.3, salaries provide a favorable purchasing power compared to many regions, making the occupational therapist pay in Murray, KY relatively attractive given the overall economic context. Among potential employers, skilled nursing facilities and rehabilitation hospitals offer some of the highest salaries, while school district positions typically provide less. Variability in pay can arise from factors like certification stipends, workload expectations, and the contractual nature of positions. To maximize compensation, aspiring therapists in the area should consider pursuing specialty certifications such as CHT, which is associated with higher pay, and seek opportunities that align with the employer types that offer the best financial benefits.
More salary data for Murray, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Murray, KY in 2026?
Is Murray, KY a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Murray?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Murray?
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Career Resources
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 $89,457 for occupational therapistsin the Murray 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 Murray 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