Occupational Therapist Salary in Saginaw, MI: $99,010 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Saginaw, MI earns a median $99,010/year (≈ $47.60/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Saginaw's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.9), that paycheck buys what $108,933 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 12.3% above the Michigan state average.
Official BLS data · View source
Occupational therapy professionals in Saginaw, MI, can expect a median annual salary of $99,010 in 2026, closely aligned with regional demand and the healthcare landscape. This salary range varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting at $80,026 and experienced therapists earning up to $195,845, according to projections derived from BLS OEWS surveys. Saginaw’s job market for occupational therapists is influenced by the choice between working in hospital in-patient rehabilitation facilities, schools, or skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), each offering distinct advantages regarding job stability and adaptability to the school-year calendar. Understanding these dynamics is essential for prospective therapists considering career paths in this area.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,026 | $38.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $82,685 | $39.75 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $99,010 | $47.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $107,182 | $51.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $195,845 | $94.16 |
Median Salary Position
4.25% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Saginaw
In Saginaw, MI, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $115,819 (2026 est.). At $99,010, the local median is 4.25% below the national median of $103,400.
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At 40 hours/week in Saginaw: You'd be in the entry-level range
How Saginaw Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Saginaw median: $99,010/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Saginaw Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Average | $88,165 | +12.30% more |
| National Average | $103,400 | -4.25% less |
Occupational Therapists in Saginaw, MI earn a median of $99,010 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.25% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 12.30% above the Michigan state average of $88,165.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Saginaw has a cost of living 9.11% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Saginaw, MI has a cost-of-living index of 90.891 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $99,010 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $108,933 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.02% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$78,170
2025 BLS Actual
$96,070
2026 Current Est.
$99,010
2019–2027 Growth
+30.5%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Saginaw (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $78,170 | Actual |
| 2020 | $82,800 | Actual |
| 2021 | $78,670 | Actual |
| 2022 | $83,420 | Actual |
| 2023 | $88,340 | Actual |
| 2024 | $94,310 | Actual |
| 2025 | $96,070 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $99,010 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $102,039 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Saginaw metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 22.9% from $78,170 (2019) to $96,070 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $102,039 by 2027 — a total increase of $23,869 (30.53%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Saginaw 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) | $80,026 – $82,685 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $82,685 – $99,010 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $99,010 – $107,182 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $107,182 – $195,845 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Saginaw
In Saginaw, there are currently about 90 occupational therapists employed, reflecting a stable demand for professionals in the field. The local cost of living index is 90.891, indicating that salaries stretch a bit further in this region, making the occupational therapist pay in Saginaw MI relatively competitive. Skilled nursing facilities and hospital settings command higher wages, whereas school contracts typically offer lower pay. The variation in salaries is influenced by a therapist's setting, potential certifications such as the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential, which can command higher premiums, and the differing productivity expectations across environments. For those in Saginaw looking to maximize earnings, pursuing additional certifications and seeking roles in higher-paying settings like hospitals or specialized rehabilitation centers may provide the best return on investment.
More salary data for Saginaw, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Saginaw, MI in 2026?
Is Saginaw, MI a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Saginaw?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Saginaw?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Saginaw?
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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 $96,070 for occupational therapistsin the Saginaw 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