Occupational Therapist Salary in Winston, NC: $96,650 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Winston, NC earns a median $96,650/year (≈ $46.47/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Winston's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 92.0), that paycheck buys what $105,005 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 8.5% above the North Carolina state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Winston, North Carolina, the 2026 estimates for the occupational therapist salary reveal a median annual income of $96,650. This figure is slightly below the national average of $103,400, providing an interesting context for local professionals who may consider their options between working in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), or school districts. Salary ranges vary significantly, with the lowest 10% earning around $67,422 and the top 10% reaching up to $119,498, according to data based on 2025 BLS OEWS surveys. The choice between year-round and school-year contracts often influences compensation dynamics, where hospital settings typically offer higher pay than educational positions or SNFs.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,422 | $32.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $79,511 | $38.22 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $96,650 | $46.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $109,749 | $52.77 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $119,498 | $57.45 |
Median Salary Position
6.53% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Winston
In Winston, NC, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $52,076 (2026 est.). At $96,650, the local median is 6.53% below the national median of $103,400.
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At 40 hours/week in Winston: You'd be above the median
How Winston Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Winston median: $96,650/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Winston Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $89,078 | +8.50% more |
| National Average | $103,400 | -6.53% less |
Occupational Therapists in Winston, NC earn a median of $96,650 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.53% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 8.50% above the North Carolina state average of $89,078.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Winston has a cost of living 7.96% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Winston, NC has a cost-of-living index of 92.043 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $96,650 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $105,005 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.64% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$97,240
2025 BLS Actual
$93,780
2026 Current Est.
$96,650
2019–2027 Growth
+2.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Winston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $97,240 | Actual |
| 2020 | $98,830 | Actual |
| 2021 | $95,950 | Actual |
| 2022 | $90,870 | Actual |
| 2023 | $94,930 | Actual |
| 2024 | $95,210 | Actual |
| 2025 | $93,780 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $96,650 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $99,607 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Winston metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew -3.6% from $97,240 (2019) to $93,780 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $99,607 by 2027 — a total increase of $2,367 (2.43%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Winston 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) | $67,422 – $79,511 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $79,511 – $96,650 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $96,650 – $109,749 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $109,749 – $119,498 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Winston
With 260 occupational therapists currently employed in Winston, the local job market shows stable strength, particularly in facilities that prioritize rehabilitation services. The cost of living index in Winston stands at 92.043, making it more affordable than many national averages, which can enhance take-home purchasing power for therapists. Among local employers, skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehab centers tend to offer the highest compensation packages, driven by the demand for specialized skills such as the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential. Factors contributing to the pay spread include varying productivity expectations, the financial impact of Medicare cuts on SNFs, and incentives for advanced certifications. To maximize earning potential, occupational therapists in Winston should focus on gaining specialized credentials and exploring employment in high-paying environments, thereby positioning themselves favorably in a competitive market.
More salary data for Winston, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Winston, NC in 2026?
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Can occupational therapists make $100K in Winston?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Winston?
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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 $93,780 for occupational therapistsin the Winston 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
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