Occupational Therapist Salary in Dundalk, MD: $109,161 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Dundalk, MD earns a median $109,161/year (≈ $52.48/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Dundalk's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 109.3), that paycheck buys what $99,873 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.4% below the Maryland state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapists in Dundalk, Maryland, can expect a median annual salary of $109,161 in 2026, reflecting a robust job market that slightly outpaces the national median of $103,400 by 5.57%. Salary estimates highlight a full range from $78,510 at the 10th percentile to $141,163 at the 90th percentile, illustrating the potential for significant earnings depending on specialization, experience, and employment setting. These figures are based on 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, and also account for regional cost adjustments that impact earnings. For occupational therapists, pursuing credentials such as the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) designation offers a notable salary premium and can enhance career opportunities in a competitive field.
About the Dundalk Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($95,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,510 | $37.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $89,338 | $42.96 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $109,161 | $52.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $128,369 | $61.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $141,163 | $67.87 |
Median Salary Position
5.57% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Dundalk
In Dundalk, MD, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $62,653 (2026 est.). At $109,161, the local median is 5.57% above the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Dundalk: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Dundalk Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Dundalk median: $109,161/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Dundalk Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Average | $113,003 | -3.40% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | +5.57% more |
Occupational Therapists in Dundalk, MD earn a median of $109,161 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.57% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 3.40% below the Maryland state average of $113,003.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Dundalk has a cost of living 9.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Dundalk, MD has a cost-of-living index of 109.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $109,161 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $99,873 — a 8.51% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$89,683
2025 BLS Actual
$105,920
2026 Current Est.
$109,161
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Dundalk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $89,683 | Actual |
| 2020 | $91,087 | Actual |
| 2021 | $90,338 | Actual |
| 2022 | $98,372 | Actual |
| 2023 | $101,739 | Actual |
| 2024 | $100,293 | Actual |
| 2025 | $105,920 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $109,161 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $112,501 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Dundalk metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $89,683 (2019) to $105,920 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $112,501 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,818 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dundalk 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) | $78,510 – $89,338 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $89,338 – $109,161 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $109,161 – $128,369 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $128,369 – $141,163 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Dundalk
Looking deeper into the occupational therapist pay in Dundalk, MD, only ten professionals are currently employed in the area, indicating a niche market for this career. With a cost-of-living index of 109.3, it is essential to consider how living expenses affect take-home pay. High-paying employers in Dundalk typically include skilled nursing facilities and acute care settings, where productivity expectations may drive compensation. In contrast, school contracts and home health agencies may offer lower salaries. The discrepancy in pay often stems from differing operational budgets, roles, and certification requirements. For those looking to maximize their income, gaining specialized credentials or seeking positions in higher-paying sectors such as inpatient rehabilitation can significantly improve occupational therapist salary in Dundalk.
More salary data for Dundalk, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Dundalk, MD in 2026?
Is Dundalk, MD a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Dundalk?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Dundalk?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Dundalk?
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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 $105,920 for occupational therapistsin the Dundalk 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 Dundalk 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