Occupational Therapist Salary in New Hampshire: $89,507 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across New Hampshire's 16 metropolitan areas, the average median occupational therapist pay sits at $89,507/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-1122. Because New Hampshire sits at BEA RPP 107.3 (7% above the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $83,418 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Salem ($105,055), Merrimack ($104,921), Dover ($104,094).
In New Hampshire, the average median salary for occupational therapists is projected to be $89,507 in 2026. This figure reflects a significant gap compared to the national median of $103,400, resulting in a difference of -13.4%. Salary variations are evident among cities, with Salem offering the highest average at $108,270, while Manchester registers the lowest at $86,076. The disparity in salaries can be attributed to factors such as cost of living, demand for services, and local healthcare infrastructure. New Hampshire’s licensing requirements and scope of practice laws are fairly standard, yet the demand for occupational therapy services is growing, driven by an aging population and increased awareness of health and wellness. As of 2026, there are projected to be 505 occupational therapists employed in the state, with a growth rate of 3.06% annually. Other cities, such as Merrimack ($108,132), Dover ($107,279), Londonderry ($106,806), and Rochester ($106,798), also present strong salary prospects. The overall job market for occupational therapists in New Hampshire appears stable, with a steady demand likely to maintain competitiveness across the state.
New Hampshire Occupational Therapist Salary Range
Overall salary range in New Hampshire: $59,771 (lowest entry-level) to $140,202 (highest top earner)
New Hampshire vs National Average
New Hampshire occupational therapists earn 13.44% less than the national median ($-13,893/year difference).
New Hampshire Occupational Therapist Salary Distribution (2026)
Occupational Therapist salaries in New Hampshire range from $68,061 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $116,179 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $89,507. The New Hampshire median is $13,893 below the US national median of $103,400. The average hourly rate is $43.04/hr. Approximately 505 occupational therapists are employed across 16 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$79,299
2025 BLS Actual
$86,849
2026 Current Est.
$89,507
2019–2027 Growth
+16.3%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in New Hampshire (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $79,299 | Actual |
| 2020 | $79,694 | Actual |
| 2021 | $79,366 | Actual |
| 2022 | $82,069 | Actual |
| 2023 | $87,412 | Actual |
| 2024 | $85,327 | Actual |
| 2025 | $86,849 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $89,507 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $92,246 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the New Hampshire metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 9.5% from $79,299 (2019) to $86,849 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $92,246 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,947 (16.33%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire
Lowest Paying Cities in New Hampshire
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Manchester | $86,076 |
| Nashua | $86,685 |
| Bedford | $104,496 |
| Concord | $105,721 |
| Hudson | $105,980 |
Best Value Cities for Occupational Therapists in New Hampshire
When adjusted for local cost of living, these New Hampshire cities offer the most purchasing power for occupational therapists.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salem | $108,270 | 107.3 | $100,904 |
| Merrimack | $108,132 | 107.3 | $100,775 |
| Dover | $107,279 | 107.3 | $99,980 |
| Londonderry | $106,806 | 107.3 | $99,540 |
| Rochester | $106,798 | 107.3 | $99,532 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in New Hampshire
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $68,061 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $89,507 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $116,179 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across New Hampshire metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 16 Cities in New Hampshire
More New Hampshire Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore occupational therapist hourly pay in New Hampshire cities.
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced occupational therapists.
Explore More Occupational Therapist Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in New Hampshire in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for occupational therapists in New Hampshire?
How does New Hampshire occupational therapist pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level occupational therapist salary in New Hampshire?
How many occupational therapists are employed in New Hampshire?
Which New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire. State averages are employment-weighted across 16 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