Occupational Therapist Salary in Bowling Green, OH: $100,642 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Bowling Green, OH earns a median $100,642/year (≈ $48.39/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Bowling Green's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.7), that paycheck buys what $110,961 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.6% below the Ohio state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The projected median annual salary for an occupational therapist in Bowling Green, OH, is $100,642 for 2026, reflecting a competitive but slightly lower position compared to the national median of $103,400. This salary range varies significantly, with the lowest earning $74,409 (P10) and the highest reaching $125,992 (P90). These figures account for adjustments based on regional economic factors, highlighting opportunities and challenges unique to the local job market, especially in the wake of Medicare cuts impacting skilled nursing facilities and outpatient services since 2022. With a total of just seven occupational therapists employed in the area, professionals should consider how these dynamics could shape their career outlook and financial prospects within Bowling Green.
About the Bowling Green Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,409 | $35.77 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $83,472 | $40.13 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $100,642 | $48.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $114,241 | $54.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $125,992 | $60.57 |
Median Salary Position
2.67% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bowling Green
In Bowling Green, OH, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $51,583 (2026 est.). At $100,642, the local median is 2.67% below the national median of $103,400.
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How Bowling Green Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Bowling Green median: $100,642/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bowling Green Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Average | $101,250 | -0.60% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | -2.67% less |
Occupational Therapists in Bowling Green, OH earn a median of $100,642 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.67% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 0.60% below the Ohio state average of $101,250.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bowling Green has a cost of living 9.30% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bowling Green, OH has a cost-of-living index of 90.7 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $100,642 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $110,961 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.25% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$82,684
2025 BLS Actual
$97,654
2026 Current Est.
$100,642
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Bowling Green (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $82,684 | Actual |
| 2020 | $83,979 | Actual |
| 2021 | $83,288 | Actual |
| 2022 | $90,695 | Actual |
| 2023 | $93,800 | Actual |
| 2024 | $79,308 | Actual |
| 2025 | $97,654 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $100,642 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $103,722 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bowling Green metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $82,684 (2019) to $97,654 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $103,722 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,038 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bowling Green 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) | $74,409 – $83,472 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $83,472 – $100,642 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $100,642 – $114,241 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $114,241 – $125,992 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Bowling Green
In assessing the occupational therapist pay in Bowling Green, a local cost of living index of 90.7 indicates that salaries stretch further in this economically feasible environment. While the healthcare landscape in Bowling Green does not employ a vast number of therapists, opportunities exist in skilled nursing facilities and outpatient clinics, typically offering the most competitive compensation. The variance in earnings can be attributed to factors like the complexity of services provided, certification premiums—such as the hand therapy CHT credential—and contract terms impacting hours worked. For high earners, seeking positions in inpatient rehab or hospitals is advisable, as these settings generally provide higher hourly rates compared to educational institutions. New occupational therapists should strategically pursue certifications and consider the demand in various environments to optimize how much they can make in Bowling Green, all while being mindful of the regional healthcare funding impacts.
More salary data for Bowling Green, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Bowling Green, OH in 2026?
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Can occupational therapists make $100K in Bowling Green?
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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 $97,654 for occupational therapistsin the Bowling Green 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 Bowling Green 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