Occupational Therapist Salary in South Portland, ME: $88,796 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in South Portland, ME earns a median $88,796/year (≈ $42.69/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in South Portland's price level (0% above national, BEA RPP 99.6), that paycheck buys what $89,153 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 13.8% below the Maine state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapists in South Portland, ME, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $88,796 in 2026, a figure significantly below the national median of $103,400. The local salary range spans from $68,405 at the 10th percentile to $114,842 at the 90th percentile, indicating varying compensation levels based on experience and specialization. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost variations, reflect a job market influenced by the choice of employment settings: whether in hospital environments, schools, or skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). The dynamics of year-round versus school-year contracts also play a role in determining occupational therapist pay in South Portland, affecting both income stability and potential growth.
About the South Portland Market
Salary estimated from Maine average ($86,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,405 | $32.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $73,986 | $35.57 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $88,796 | $42.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $103,036 | $49.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $114,842 | $55.21 |
Median Salary Position
14.12% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in South Portland
In South Portland, ME, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $46,437 (2026 est.). At $88,796, the local median is 14.12% below the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in South Portland: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How South Portland Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
South Portland median: $88,796/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | South Portland Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Maine Average | $103,012 | -13.80% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | -14.12% less |
Occupational Therapists in South Portland, ME earn a median of $88,796 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.12% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 13.80% below the Maine state average of $103,012.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
South Portland has a cost of living 0.40% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
South Portland, ME has a cost-of-living index of 99.6 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $88,796 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $89,153 in an average-cost city — an effective 0.4% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$72,952
2025 BLS Actual
$86,160
2026 Current Est.
$88,796
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in South Portland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $72,952 | Actual |
| 2020 | $74,094 | Actual |
| 2021 | $73,485 | Actual |
| 2022 | $80,020 | Actual |
| 2023 | $82,759 | Actual |
| 2024 | $82,731 | Actual |
| 2025 | $86,160 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $88,796 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $91,514 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the South Portland metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $72,952 (2019) to $86,160 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $91,514 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,562 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the South Portland 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) | $68,405 – $73,986 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $73,986 – $88,796 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $88,796 – $103,036 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $103,036 – $114,842 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in South Portland
Employment opportunities for occupational therapists in South Portland remain limited, with only four professionals currently employed in this area. The cost of living index stands at 99.6, suggesting that while salaries may be lower than the national average, the purchasing power of income earned is relatively preserved. Among various employers in South Portland, skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehabilitation centers typically offer the highest compensation, while positions in school districts generally provide lower salaries. Factors contributing to the salary range include the differences in productivity expectations, contracts (year-round vs. school-year), and the absence of specialty certifications like Certified Hand Therapist (CHT), which can drive pay higher. To maximize earnings in this market, occupational therapists should consider gaining additional certifications, like CHT, and seek employment in settings that provide the most competitive pay, while also weighing the benefits of job stability offered by school contracts.
More salary data for South Portland, ME:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in South Portland, ME in 2026?
Is South Portland, ME a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in South Portland?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in South Portland?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in South Portland?
Related Pages
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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 $86,160 for occupational therapistsin the South Portland 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 South Portland 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