Occupational Therapist Salary in Wake Forest, NC: $87,810 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Wake Forest, NC earns a median $87,810/year (≈ $42.21/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Wake Forest's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.6), that paycheck buys what $93,814 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% below the North Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wake Forest, North Carolina, the projected median annual salary for occupational therapists in 2026 is $87,810, indicating a competitive yet distinct pay scale compared to the national figure of $103,400. Local estimates place the salary range between $65,998 at the 10th percentile and up to $117,107 at the 90th percentile, reflecting variability based on experience, setting, and specialization. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional cost factors, reveal the impact of recent Medicare cuts on compensation within skilled nursing facilities and outpatient settings since 2022. As the job market adapts, local occupational therapists must consider how shifts in reimbursement rates affect their earning potential in Wake Forest.
About the Wake Forest Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,998 | $31.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $72,075 | $34.65 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $87,810 | $42.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $103,472 | $49.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $117,107 | $56.30 |
Median Salary Position
15.08% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wake Forest
In Wake Forest, NC, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $51,109 (2026 est.). At $87,810, the local median is 15.08% below the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Wake Forest: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Wake Forest Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Wake Forest median: $87,810/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Wake Forest Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $89,057 | -1.40% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | -15.08% less |
Occupational Therapists in Wake Forest, NC earn a median of $87,810 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.08% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 1.40% below the North Carolina state average of $89,057.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Wake Forest has a cost of living 6.40% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Wake Forest, NC has a cost-of-living index of 93.6 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $87,810 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $93,814 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.84% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$72,142
2025 BLS Actual
$85,203
2026 Current Est.
$87,810
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Wake Forest (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $72,142 | Actual |
| 2020 | $73,271 | Actual |
| 2021 | $72,668 | Actual |
| 2022 | $79,131 | Actual |
| 2023 | $81,840 | Actual |
| 2024 | $84,900 | Actual |
| 2025 | $85,203 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $87,810 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $90,497 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Wake Forest metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $72,142 (2019) to $85,203 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $90,497 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,355 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wake Forest 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) | $65,998 – $72,075 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $72,075 – $87,810 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $87,810 – $103,472 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $103,472 – $117,107 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Wake Forest
Considering the job landscape, Wake Forest currently employs nine occupational therapists, highlighting a relatively small but stable market for this profession. The local cost-of-living index stands at 93.6, suggesting that while salaries may be lower than the national average, purchasing power here remains relatively strong compared to more expensive regions. Among local employers, skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehab settings tend to offer the highest pay, while school district contracts and outpatient clinics may provide less. Factors driving discrepancies in occupational therapist pay in Wake Forest include the specific work setting, productivity expectations, and the inclusion of specialty certifications such as CHT. To maximize earning potential, OT professionals should pursue additional credentials and consider employment opportunities in higher-paying environments, as strategic choice of workplace can significantly enhance overall compensation.
More salary data for Wake Forest, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Wake Forest, NC in 2026?
Is Wake Forest, NC a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Wake Forest?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Wake Forest?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Wake Forest?
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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 $85,203 for occupational therapistsin the Wake Forest 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 Wake Forest 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