Occupational Therapist Salary in Elyria, OH: $97,864 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Elyria, OH earns a median $97,864/year (≈ $47.05/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Elyria's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.7), that paycheck buys what $107,899 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.4% below the Ohio state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Elyria, Ohio, the projected median annual salary for occupational therapists in 2026 is $97,864, reflecting the local job market's response to various economic pressures, including Medicare cuts in skilled nursing facilities and outpatient settings. Salaries in Elyria demonstrate a range from $70,435 at the 10th percentile to $126,616 at the 90th percentile, indicating a significant variance in pay opportunities depending on specific roles and settings. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost disparities, which is crucial in understanding the local economic landscape. As job demand continues to grow, the competitive nature of this role in Elyria suggests that occupational therapists may find advantageous employment prospects, influenced by both the healthcare industry and local rehabilitation needs.
About the Elyria Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,435 | $33.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $80,129 | $38.52 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $97,864 | $47.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $112,980 | $54.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $126,616 | $60.88 |
Median Salary Position
5.35% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Elyria
In Elyria, OH, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $56,181 (2026 est.). At $97,864, the local median is 5.35% below the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Elyria: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Elyria Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Elyria median: $97,864/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Elyria Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Average | $101,308 | -3.40% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | -5.35% less |
Occupational Therapists in Elyria, OH earn a median of $97,864 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.35% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 3.40% below the Ohio state average of $101,308.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Elyria 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.
Elyria, OH has a cost-of-living index of 90.7 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $97,864 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $107,899 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.25% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$80,401
2025 BLS Actual
$94,958
2026 Current Est.
$97,864
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Elyria (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $80,401 | Actual |
| 2020 | $81,660 | Actual |
| 2021 | $80,988 | Actual |
| 2022 | $88,191 | Actual |
| 2023 | $91,210 | Actual |
| 2024 | $77,118 | Actual |
| 2025 | $94,958 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $97,864 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $100,858 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Elyria metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $80,401 (2019) to $94,958 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $100,858 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,457 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Elyria 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) | $70,435 – $80,129 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $80,129 – $97,864 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $97,864 – $112,980 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $112,980 – $126,616 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Elyria
Despite a relatively modest workforce of 14 occupational therapists in Elyria, the city's cost of living index at 90.7 reflects a lower-than-average expense structure that benefits take-home pay for local professionals. The best-paying positions are typically found in hospital inpatient rehabilitation facilities and home health agencies, while roles in schools and skilled nursing facilities may offer lower compensation. Factors impacting salary differentials include the setting—hospital positions generally pay more than school contracts—and the availability of specialty certifications, like the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT), which can significantly bolster earning potential. To maximize earnings in Elyria’s market, professionals should focus on obtaining relevant credentials and consider opportunities in environments where demand meets higher reimbursement rates. Such strategic career planning can enhance both professional satisfaction and financial well-being amidst local challenges.
More salary data for Elyria, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $94,958 for occupational therapistsin the Elyria 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 Elyria 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