Occupational Therapist Salary in Maryland: $108,881 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Maryland's 28 metropolitan areas, the average median occupational therapist pay sits at $108,881/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-1122. Because Maryland sits at BEA RPP 109.3 (9% above the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $99,617 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Aspen Hill ($111,183), Gaithersburg ($110,462), Germantown ($110,384).
In Maryland, the average median salary for occupational therapists in 2026 is projected to be $108,881, which is 5.3% higher than the national median of $103,400. The state's job market includes a total of 1,703 occupational therapists, with a projected annual growth rate of 3.06%, indicating steady demand in the field. Salaries vary significantly between cities. Aspen Hill ranks as the highest-paying area at $114,585, while Cumberland is the lowest at $104,608, creating a salary gap of $9,977. Factors driving this disparity include cost of living, local demand for occupational therapy services, and variations in healthcare funding within different regions. Maryland's unique landscape includes state licensing requirements and a defined scope of practice that influences the responsibilities of occupational therapists. The demand for these professionals is driven by an aging population and the continual need for rehabilitation services. Overall, the job outlook for occupational therapists in Maryland remains strong, offering favorable employment opportunities and competitive salaries as the state continues to support healthcare initiatives.
Maryland Occupational Therapist Salary Range
Overall salary range in Maryland: $66,958 (lowest entry-level) to $160,774 (highest top earner)
Maryland vs National Average
Maryland occupational therapists earn 5.30% more than the national median (+$5,481/year difference).
Maryland Occupational Therapist Salary Distribution (2026)
Occupational Therapist salaries in Maryland range from $76,275 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $135,239 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $108,881. The Maryland median is $5,481 above the US national median of $103,400. The average hourly rate is $52.35/hr. Approximately 1,703 occupational therapists are employed across 28 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$87,922
2025 BLS Actual
$105,648
2026 Current Est.
$108,881
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Maryland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $87,922 | Actual |
| 2020 | $83,760 | Actual |
| 2021 | $79,427 | Actual |
| 2022 | $94,564 | Actual |
| 2023 | $99,194 | Actual |
| 2024 | $99,179 | Actual |
| 2025 | $105,648 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $108,881 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $112,212 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Maryland metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 20.2% from $87,922 (2019) to $105,648 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $112,212 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,290 (27.63%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Maryland 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 Maryland
Lowest Paying Cities in Maryland
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Cumberland | $104,608 |
| Hagerstown | $105,987 |
| Greenbelt | $107,005 |
| Laurel | $107,359 |
| Salisbury | $107,595 |
Best Value Cities for Occupational Therapists in Maryland
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Maryland cities offer the most purchasing power for occupational therapists.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hagerstown | $105,987 | 94.171 | $112,547 |
| Salisbury | $107,595 | 95.617 | $112,527 |
| Lexington Park | $109,573 | 100.76 | $108,747 |
| Aspen Hill | $114,585 | 109.3 | $104,835 |
| Gaithersburg | $113,842 | 109.3 | $104,156 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Maryland
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $76,275 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $108,881 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $135,239 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Maryland metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 28 Cities in Maryland
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aspen Hill | $114,585 |
| 2 | Gaithersburg | $113,842 |
| 3 | Germantown | $113,762 |
| 4 | Ellicott City | $113,502 |
| 5 | Waldorf | $113,386 |
| 6 | Wheaton | $113,001 |
| 7 | Bowie | $112,464 |
| 8 | Glen Burnie | $112,115 |
| 9 | Columbia | $110,679 |
| 10 | Frederick | $110,566 |
| 11 | Annapolis | $110,542 |
| 12 | Severn | $110,539 |
| 13 | College Park | $110,324 |
| 14 | Rockville | $110,181 |
| 15 | Silver Spring | $110,128 |
| 16 | Potomac | $109,604 |
| 17 | Lexington Park | $109,573 |
| 18 | Bethesda | $109,161 |
| 19 | Dundalk | $109,161 |
| 20 | Odenton | $108,788 |
| 21 | Baltimore | $108,718 |
| 22 | Towson | $108,296 |
| 23 | Catonsville | $107,903 |
| 24 | Salisbury | $107,595 |
| 25 | Laurel | $107,359 |
| 26 | Greenbelt | $107,005 |
| 27 | Hagerstown | $105,987 |
| 28 | Cumberland | $104,608 |
More Maryland Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore occupational therapist hourly pay in Maryland cities.
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 Maryland in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for occupational therapists in Maryland?
How does Maryland occupational therapist pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level occupational therapist salary in Maryland?
How many occupational therapists are employed in Maryland?
Which Maryland 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 Maryland. State averages are employment-weighted across 28 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