Occupational Therapist Salary in Rockville, MD: $110,181 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Rockville, MD earns a median $110,181/year (≈ $52.97/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Rockville's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 109.3), that paycheck buys what $100,806 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.5% below the Maryland state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapists in Rockville, Maryland, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $110,181 in 2026, positioning the area slightly above the national median of $103,400. Salaries in the region range from $80,852 at the 10th percentile to $144,210 at the 90th percentile, reflecting variations in experience and work environment. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, account for local living costs, which influence overall compensation. Rockville has diverse opportunities for occupational therapists, with employment settings varying from hospitals and skilled nursing facilities to school districts and outpatient clinics. The choice of workplace impacts salary significantly, allowing therapists to align their compensation preferences with their career goals.
About the Rockville Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($95,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,852 | $38.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $88,967 | $42.77 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $110,181 | $52.97 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $128,533 | $61.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $144,210 | $69.33 |
Median Salary Position
6.56% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Rockville
In Rockville, MD, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $63,358 (2026 est.). At $110,181, the local median is 6.56% above the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Rockville: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Rockville Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Rockville median: $110,181/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Rockville Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Average | $113,007 | -2.50% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | +6.56% more |
Occupational Therapists in Rockville, MD earn a median of $110,181 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.56% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 2.50% below the Maryland state average of $113,007.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Rockville has a cost of living 9.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Rockville, MD has a cost-of-living index of 109.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $110,181 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $100,806 — a 8.51% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$90,521
2025 BLS Actual
$106,910
2026 Current Est.
$110,181
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Rockville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $90,521 | Actual |
| 2020 | $91,939 | Actual |
| 2021 | $91,182 | Actual |
| 2022 | $99,291 | Actual |
| 2023 | $102,690 | Actual |
| 2024 | $101,230 | Actual |
| 2025 | $106,910 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $110,181 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $113,553 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Rockville metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $90,521 (2019) to $106,910 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $113,553 by 2027 — a total increase of $23,032 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rockville 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) | $80,852 – $88,967 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $88,967 – $110,181 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $110,181 – $128,533 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $128,533 – $144,210 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Rockville
The local job market in Rockville employs around 15 occupational therapists, presenting a specialized niche in the healthcare sector. However, with a cost-of-living index of 109.3, professionals may find that their take-home pay doesn't stretch as far, necessitating careful financial planning. Among employers, hospitals typically provide higher pay compared to skilled nursing facilities and school contracts, emphasizing the importance of your setting when negotiating wages. Factors like productivity expectations, year-round versus school-year contracts, and specialized certifications—such as the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential—can significantly influence earnings. To maximize your compensation, consider focusing on high-demand specialties, pursuing additional certifications, and targeting positions within healthcare facilities known for better salaries in Rockville MD.
More salary data for Rockville, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Rockville, MD in 2026?
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Can occupational therapists make $100K in Rockville?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Rockville?
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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 $106,910 for occupational therapistsin the Rockville 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 Rockville 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