Occupational Therapist Salary in Canton, OH: $101,040 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Canton, OH earns a median $101,040/year (≈ $48.58/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Canton's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 89.4), that paycheck buys what $113,013 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.2% below the Ohio state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for occupational therapists in Canton, Ohio, is $101,040, which is slightly below the national median of $103,400. This salary range varies significantly, from $62,856 at the 10th percentile (P10) to $127,640 at the 90th percentile (P90), reflecting a diverse job market influenced by various factors. These estimates, based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, indicate that local compensation may have been impacted by adjustments in Medicare policies affecting skilled nursing facilities and outpatient settings, especially following the cuts implemented post-2022. With 290 occupational therapists currently employed in the area, there remains a competitive landscape that offers opportunities for those considering a career in occupational therapy in Canton.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,856 | $30.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $82,221 | $39.53 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $101,040 | $48.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $113,016 | $54.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $127,640 | $61.36 |
Median Salary Position
2.28% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Canton
In Canton, OH, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $64,784 (2026 est.). At $101,040, the local median is 2.28% below the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Canton: You'd be above the median
How Canton Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Canton median: $101,040/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Canton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Average | $101,243 | -0.20% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | -2.28% less |
Occupational Therapists in Canton, OH earn a median of $101,040 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.28% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 0.20% below the Ohio state average of $101,243.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Canton has a cost of living 10.59% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Canton, OH has a cost-of-living index of 89.406 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $101,040 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $113,013 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.85% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$84,880
2025 BLS Actual
$98,040
2026 Current Est.
$101,040
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Canton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $84,880 | Actual |
| 2020 | $83,880 | Actual |
| 2021 | $79,360 | Actual |
| 2022 | $83,360 | Actual |
| 2023 | $94,900 | Actual |
| 2024 | $88,140 | Actual |
| 2025 | $98,040 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $101,040 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $104,132 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Canton metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 15.5% from $84,880 (2019) to $98,040 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $104,132 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,252 (22.68%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Canton 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) | $62,856 – $82,221 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $82,221 – $101,040 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $101,040 – $113,016 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $113,016 – $127,640 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Canton
When evaluating occupational therapist pay in Canton, OH, prospective therapists should consider the local cost of living, which stands at an index of 89.406, below the national average. This lower cost can enhance the value of salaries in this region, permitting a better purchasing power despite a salary that may total less than the national median. Compensation varies across different settings, with employers in hospital inpatient rehabilitation typically offering higher salaries compared to those in school districts or skilled nursing facilities. Factors contributing to the income disparity include the expectation of certifications, such as the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) designation, which commands a premium. To maximize earnings, occupational therapists should seek full-time opportunities in higher-paying environments, prioritize productivity-based contracts, and stay informed about the evolving landscape of occupational therapy roles, especially in relation to Medicare reimbursement trends.
More salary data for Canton, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Canton, OH in 2026?
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Can occupational therapists make $100K in Canton?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Canton?
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Career Resources
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 $98,040 for occupational therapistsin the Canton 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