Occupational Therapist Salary in Baltimore, MD: $108,718 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Baltimore, MD earns a median $108,718/year (≈ $52.27/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Baltimore's price level (4% above national, BEA RPP 104.5), that paycheck buys what $104,049 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.8% below the Maryland state average.
Official BLS data · View source
Occupational therapists in Baltimore, MD, can expect a median annual salary of $108,718 in 2026, reflecting a competitive position relative to the national median of $103,400. This salary range extends from $76,316 at the lowest decile to $132,906 at the top, with clear pathways for financial growth. Based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, these figures underline the city's robust market for occupational therapy, driven in part by the significant premium associated with specialty certifications such as Certified Hand Therapist (CHT). This certification can elevate earnings significantly, making it a valuable investment for practitioners looking to enhance their skill set and income potential in the Baltimore area, where the demand for specialized services is on the rise.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,316 | $36.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $88,075 | $42.35 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $108,718 | $52.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $123,363 | $59.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $132,906 | $63.90 |
Median Salary Position
5.14% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Baltimore
In Baltimore, MD, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $56,590 (2026 est.). At $108,718, the local median is 5.14% above the national median of $103,400.
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How Baltimore Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Baltimore median: $108,718/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Baltimore Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Average | $113,012 | -3.80% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | +5.14% more |
Occupational Therapists in Baltimore, MD earn a median of $108,718 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.14% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 3.80% below the Maryland state average of $113,012.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Baltimore has a cost of living 4.49% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Baltimore, MD has a cost-of-living index of 104.487 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $108,718 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $104,049 — a 4.29% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$88,500
2025 BLS Actual
$105,490
2026 Current Est.
$108,718
2019–2027 Growth
+26.6%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Baltimore (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $88,500 | Actual |
| 2020 | $82,860 | Actual |
| 2021 | $79,100 | Actual |
| 2022 | $96,200 | Actual |
| 2023 | $100,090 | Actual |
| 2024 | $99,360 | Actual |
| 2025 | $105,490 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $108,718 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $112,045 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Baltimore metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 19.2% from $88,500 (2019) to $105,490 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $112,045 by 2027 — a total increase of $23,545 (26.60%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Baltimore 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) | $76,316 – $88,075 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $88,075 – $108,718 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $108,718 – $123,363 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $123,363 – $132,906 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Baltimore
The local job market is relatively strong, with around 1,200 occupational therapists currently employed within the city. Baltimore's cost of living index stands at 104.487, indicating that expenses are slightly above the national average, which can impact take-home pay. Occupational therapists in settings such as hospital inpatient rehab and outpatient clinics typically command higher salaries compared to those in school districts or skilled nursing facilities. Factors contributing to the variance in pay include certifications, productivity expectations, and the types of contracts available, particularly between year-round positions and academic-year contracts. Those aiming to optimize their earnings in Baltimore's market should consider obtaining additional certifications, such as CHT, and carefully evaluate job offers, focusing on employers that recognize and compensate specialized skills appropriately.
More salary data for Baltimore, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Baltimore, MD in 2026?
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Can occupational therapists make $100K in Baltimore?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Baltimore?
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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 $105,490 for occupational therapistsin the Baltimore 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
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