Occupational Therapist Salary in Marquette, MI: $84,916 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Marquette, MI earns a median $84,916/year (≈ $40.82/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Marquette's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.2), that paycheck buys what $91,112 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.7% below the Michigan state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Marquette, MI, the occupational therapist salary projections for 2026 indicate a median annual income of $84,916, which is notably lower than the national median of $103,400. The salary range spans from $64,451 at the 10th percentile to $103,056 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the varying experiences and specializations among professionals in the local market. These figures represent estimates derived from 2025 BLS state-level data, adjusted for regional price parities. Emerging challenges, particularly the impact of Medicare cuts affecting skilled nursing facilities (SNF) and outpatient services since 2022, may play a role in shaping these earnings. As Marquette cultivates a niche in specialty care, the local compensation landscape for occupational therapists is evolving.
About the Marquette Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($86,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,451 | $30.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $71,570 | $34.41 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $84,916 | $40.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $94,912 | $45.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $103,056 | $49.55 |
Median Salary Position
17.88% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Marquette
In Marquette, MI, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $38,605 (2026 est.). At $84,916, the local median is 17.88% below the national median of $103,400.
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At 40 hours/week in Marquette: You'd be above the median
How Marquette Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Marquette median: $84,916/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Marquette Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Average | $88,179 | -3.70% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | -17.88% less |
Occupational Therapists in Marquette, MI earn a median of $84,916 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.88% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 3.70% below the Michigan state average of $88,179.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Marquette has a cost of living 6.80% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Marquette, MI has a cost-of-living index of 93.2 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $84,916 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $91,112 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.3% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$69,764
2025 BLS Actual
$82,395
2026 Current Est.
$84,916
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Marquette (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $69,764 | Actual |
| 2020 | $70,857 | Actual |
| 2021 | $70,273 | Actual |
| 2022 | $76,523 | Actual |
| 2023 | $79,143 | Actual |
| 2024 | $77,196 | Actual |
| 2025 | $82,395 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $84,916 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87,515 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Marquette metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $69,764 (2019) to $82,395 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $87,515 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,751 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Marquette 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) | $64,451 – $71,570 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $71,570 – $84,916 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $84,916 – $94,912 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $94,912 – $103,056 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Marquette
Despite having only four occupational therapists currently employed in the area, Marquette's local job market remains stable for this profession. With a cost-of-living index of 93.2, the purchasing power of an occupational therapist's salary here can stretch further than in many other regions, making the compensation more competitive when considering daily expenses. Higher pay opportunities typically exist within hospital inpatient rehabilitation settings compared to skilled nursing facilities or school districts, as the demand for specialized skills drives wages up. Factors such as board certifications, including the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential, can provide a notable salary premium in a city where demand for skilled professionals is rising. To optimize pay in Marquette, focusing on the most lucrative types of employers and seeking continuous professional development will be key strategies for occupational therapists navigating their careers in this evolving field.
More salary data for Marquette, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Marquette, MI in 2026?
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Can occupational therapists make $100K in Marquette?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Marquette?
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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 $82,395 for occupational therapistsin the Marquette 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 Marquette 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