Occupational Therapist Salary in Mentor, OH: $97,176 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Mentor, OH earns a median $97,176/year (≈ $46.72/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Mentor's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.7), that paycheck buys what $107,140 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.1% below the Ohio state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, occupational therapists in Mentor, Ohio, can expect a median annual salary of $97,176, reflecting local market conditions and adjusted for regional cost variations. Salaries for these professionals vary widely, with entry-level positions starting at around $74,104, while more experienced therapists can earn as much as $127,625 annually. Although this compensation reflects a competitive job market, it is important to note that the local figures are approximately 6.02% lower than the national median of $103,400 for the same year. For those holding a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) specialty certification, the potential for significant salary premiums exists, bolstering both career advancement and earning potential in Mentor's job environment.
About the Mentor Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,104 | $35.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $82,341 | $39.59 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $97,176 | $46.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $108,423 | $52.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $127,625 | $61.36 |
Median Salary Position
6.02% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Mentor
In Mentor, OH, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $53,521 (2026 est.). At $97,176, the local median is 6.02% below the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Mentor: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Mentor Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Mentor median: $97,176/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Mentor Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Average | $101,331 | -4.10% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | -6.02% less |
Occupational Therapists in Mentor, OH earn a median of $97,176 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.02% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 4.10% below the Ohio state average of $101,331.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Mentor 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.
Mentor, OH has a cost-of-living index of 90.7 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $97,176 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $107,140 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.25% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$79,837
2025 BLS Actual
$94,291
2026 Current Est.
$97,176
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Mentor (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $79,837 | Actual |
| 2020 | $81,087 | Actual |
| 2021 | $80,419 | Actual |
| 2022 | $87,571 | Actual |
| 2023 | $90,569 | Actual |
| 2024 | $76,576 | Actual |
| 2025 | $94,291 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $97,176 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $100,150 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Mentor metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $79,837 (2019) to $94,291 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $100,150 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,313 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Mentor 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) | $74,104 – $82,341 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $82,341 – $97,176 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $97,176 – $108,423 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $108,423 – $127,625 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Mentor
The employment landscape for occupational therapists in Mentor shows that there are currently only nine individuals working in this field, which highlights a limited pool of professionals in the area. With a cost-of-living index of 90.7, salaries here may stretch further than in many higher-cost regions, translating to better take-home purchasing power for therapists. Among local employers, skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehab centers tend to offer the highest wages. Variations in pay are often influenced by setting, common qualifications, productivity expectations, and the specific needs of patients. To maximize their occupational therapist pay in Mentor, OH, professionals may consider furthering their specialized certifications or pursuing opportunities in higher-paying facilities, aligning their career trajectory with the demand for specialized skills in the field.
More salary data for Mentor, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Mentor, OH in 2026?
Is Mentor, OH a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Mentor?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Mentor?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Mentor?
Related Pages
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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 $94,291 for occupational therapistsin the Mentor 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 Mentor 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