Occupational Therapist Salary in Kalispell, MT: $94,979 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Kalispell, MT earns a median $94,979/year (≈ $45.67/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Kalispell's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.2), that paycheck buys what $98,731 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.5% below the Montana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The projected median annual occupational therapist salary in Kalispell, Montana, for 2026 is $94,979, offering a competitive compensation package compared to national standards. Salaries in this field range from $70,666 on the lower end to $113,697 at the high end, according to local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional price differentials. The occupational therapy landscape in Kalispell benefits from the growing recognition of specialized certifications such as the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT), which can significantly enhance earning potential and elevate one's standing in the competitive market. As demand for skilled therapists continues to rise, professionals in this area can expect varied opportunities that may bolster their income, keeping pace with both local needs and practice advancements.
About the Kalispell Market
Salary estimated from Montana average ($84,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,666 | $33.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $79,017 | $37.99 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $94,979 | $45.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $105,187 | $50.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $113,697 | $54.66 |
Median Salary Position
8.14% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kalispell
In Kalispell, MT, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $43,031 (2026 est.). At $94,979, the local median is 8.14% below the national median of $103,400.
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At 40 hours/week in Kalispell: You'd be above the median
How Kalispell Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Kalispell median: $94,979/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Kalispell Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Montana Average | $99,455 | -4.50% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | -8.14% less |
Occupational Therapists in Kalispell, MT earn a median of $94,979 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.14% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 4.50% below the Montana state average of $99,455.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Kalispell has a cost of living 3.80% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Kalispell, MT has a cost-of-living index of 96.2 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $94,979 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $98,731 in an average-cost city — an effective 3.95% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$78,032
2025 BLS Actual
$92,159
2026 Current Est.
$94,979
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Kalispell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $78,032 | Actual |
| 2020 | $79,253 | Actual |
| 2021 | $78,601 | Actual |
| 2022 | $85,591 | Actual |
| 2023 | $88,522 | Actual |
| 2024 | $77,160 | Actual |
| 2025 | $92,159 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $94,979 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $97,885 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kalispell metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $78,032 (2019) to $92,159 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $97,885 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,853 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kalispell 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) | $70,666 – $79,017 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $79,017 – $94,979 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $94,979 – $105,187 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $105,187 – $113,697 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Kalispell
With only four occupational therapists currently employed in Kalispell, the local job market presents a mixed but promising picture. A cost-of-living index of 96.2 suggests that professionals can enjoy a favorable purchasing power relative to their salaries, especially when considering essential expenses. Employers in skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehab settings generally offer higher compensation, while outpatient hand therapy clinics often provide additional incentives for those with niche expertise. The variance in pay within Kalispell's therapy market is influenced by several factors, such as workplace setting, the impact of certifications like CHT, and the productivity expectations set by employers. To maximize earnings, OTs might consider specializing in high-demand areas, pursuing continuing education, and exploring contract opportunities that offer greater flexibility in pay structures. This strategic approach can help practitioners navigate the subtle nuances of occupational therapist pay in Kalispell, MT.
More salary data for Kalispell, MT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Kalispell, MT in 2026?
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Can occupational therapists make $100K in Kalispell?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Kalispell?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Kalispell?
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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 $92,159 for occupational therapistsin the Kalispell 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 Kalispell 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