Occupational Therapist Salary in Nashua, NH: $86,685 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Nashua, NH earns a median $86,685/year (≈ $41.68/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Nashua's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.3), that paycheck buys what $80,788 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 21.9% below the New Hampshire state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Nashua, New Hampshire, the projected median annual salary for occupational therapists in 2026 stands at $86,685. This figure shows a significant disparity when contrasted with the national average of $103,400, indicating a local compensation level that is about 16.17% lower than the nationwide benchmark. Salaries for occupational therapists in the area range from $59,771 at the 10th percentile to as high as $111,820 at the 90th percentile, providing a broad spectrum depending on the professional’s experience and work setting. The variability in pay is heavily influenced by whether therapists work in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities (SNF), or educational settings, with those in hospital roles generally earning more than their counterparts in schools. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data, projected to reflect market trends in 2026, and reveal the competitive landscape occupational therapists face in Nashua’s job market.
About the Nashua Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,771 | $28.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $69,012 | $33.18 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $86,685 | $41.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $100,141 | $48.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $111,820 | $53.76 |
Median Salary Position
16.17% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Nashua
In Nashua, NH, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $52,049 (2026 est.). At $86,685, the local median is 16.17% below the national median of $103,400.
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How Nashua Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Nashua median: $86,685/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Nashua Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire Average | $110,992 | -21.90% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | -16.17% less |
Occupational Therapists in Nashua, NH earn a median of $86,685 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.17% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 21.90% below the New Hampshire state average of $110,992.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Nashua has a cost of living 7.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Nashua, NH has a cost-of-living index of 107.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $86,685 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $80,788 — a 6.8% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$71,217
2025 BLS Actual
$84,111
2026 Current Est.
$86,685
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Nashua (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $71,217 | Actual |
| 2020 | $72,332 | Actual |
| 2021 | $71,737 | Actual |
| 2022 | $78,117 | Actual |
| 2023 | $80,791 | Actual |
| 2024 | $98,421 | Actual |
| 2025 | $84,111 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $86,685 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $89,337 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Nashua metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $71,217 (2019) to $84,111 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $89,337 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,120 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Nashua 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) | $59,771 – $69,012 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $69,012 – $86,685 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $86,685 – $100,141 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $100,141 – $111,820 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Nashua
Looking at the job market for occupational therapists in Nashua, there are currently 21 professionals employed in this field, revealing a modest niche within the healthcare landscape. The local cost of living index is set at 107.3, which presents a challenge for purchasing power despite what may appear as promising salary figures. Among various employers, hospital inpatient rehabilitation departments tend to offer some of the more attractive compensation packages, particularly for those who hold additional certifications like CHT. Factors contributing to salary range disparities include productivity expectations, the contractual differences between school-year and year-round employment, and the impacts of Medicare reimbursements on SNFs and outpatient therapy services. To maximize earning potential in Nashua, professionals should consider pursuing specialized certifications and exploring opportunities in high-paying settings such as hospitals or outpatient clinics that value productivity-driven compensation structures.
More salary data for Nashua, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Nashua, NH in 2026?
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Can occupational therapists make $100K in Nashua?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Nashua?
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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 $84,111 for occupational therapistsin the Nashua 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 Nashua 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