Occupational Therapist Salary in Montana: $89,781 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Montana's 7 metropolitan areas, the average median occupational therapist pay sits at $89,781/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-1122. Because Montana sits at BEA RPP 96.2 (4% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $93,327 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Bozeman ($94,880), Butte ($93,797), Helena ($92,427).
In Montana, the average median salary for occupational therapists in 2026 is projected to be $89,781, which is approximately 13.2% lower than the national median of $103,400. The highest paying city for this profession is Bozeman, offering $97,783, while Great Falls presents the lowest salary at $82,850. This salary gap of $14,933 can be attributed to various factors, including the cost of living, local demand for services, and the availability of job opportunities within different urban settings. Montana's occupational therapy market is shaped by state-specific licensing requirements and scope of practice laws, which ensure that practitioners are well-equipped to address the diverse needs of the population. The projected growth rate for occupational therapy jobs in Montana is 3.06%, indicating steady demand in the coming years. The total number of employed occupational therapists in the state is 278, with cities such as Butte, Helena, Kalispell, and Missoula also offering competitive salaries. As the state continues to support health services and foster community rehabilitation programs, the outlook for occupational therapy positions remains positive, reinforcing the importance of the profession in enhancing patient care across Montana.
Montana Occupational Therapist Salary Range
Overall salary range in Montana: $67,886 (lowest entry-level) to $126,176 (highest top earner)
Montana vs National Average
Montana occupational therapists earn 13.17% less than the national median ($-13,619/year difference).
Montana Occupational Therapist Salary Distribution (2026)
Occupational Therapist salaries in Montana range from $76,866 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $111,771 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $89,781. The Montana median is $13,619 below the US national median of $103,400. The average hourly rate is $43.17/hr. Approximately 278 occupational therapists are employed across 7 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$75,542
2025 BLS Actual
$87,115
2026 Current Est.
$89,781
2019–2027 Growth
+22.5%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Montana (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $75,542 | Actual |
| 2020 | $78,459 | Actual |
| 2021 | $79,053 | Actual |
| 2022 | $82,296 | Actual |
| 2023 | $84,881 | Actual |
| 2024 | $83,845 | Actual |
| 2025 | $87,115 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $89,781 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $92,528 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Montana metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 15.3% from $75,542 (2019) to $87,115 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $92,528 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,986 (22.49%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Montana 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.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Montana
Lowest Paying Cities in Montana
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Great Falls | $82,850 |
| Billings | $87,951 |
| Missoula | $89,971 |
| Kalispell | $94,979 |
| Helena | $95,255 |
Best Value Cities for Occupational Therapists in Montana
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Montana cities offer the most purchasing power for occupational therapists.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Butte | $96,667 | 96.2 | $100,485 |
| Helena | $95,255 | 96.2 | $99,018 |
| Kalispell | $94,979 | 96.2 | $98,731 |
| Bozeman | $97,783 | 102.51 | $95,389 |
| Billings | $87,951 | 93.526 | $94,039 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Montana
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $76,866 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $89,781 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $111,771 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Montana metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 7 Cities in Montana
More Montana Salary Data
Explore More Occupational Therapist Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Montana in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for occupational therapists in Montana?
How does Montana occupational therapist pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level occupational therapist salary in Montana?
How many occupational therapists are employed in Montana?
Which Montana city offers the best value for occupational therapists?
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
Statewide 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. A 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 occupational therapist compensation across Montana. State averages are employment-weighted across 7 metro areas — larger metro areas with more occupational therapistscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
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