Occupational Therapist Salary in Medford, OR: $103,905 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Medford, OR earns a median $103,905/year (≈ $49.95/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Medford's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 101.4), that paycheck buys what $102,437 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 8.1% below the Oregon state average.
Official BLS data · View source

Occupational therapists in Medford, OR, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $103,905 in 2026, slightly higher than the national median of $103,400. With salaries ranging from $67,061 at the 10th percentile to $129,546 at the 90th percentile, the potential for income varies significantly based on experience and specialty certifications. Notably, obtaining the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential can further enhance earnings, as demand for specialized services continues to rise. This information is based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected for the 2026 job market, which indicates that Medford offers favorable opportunities for qualified professionals looking to improve their financial stability.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,061 | $32.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $97,670 | $46.95 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $103,905 | $49.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $127,475 | $61.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $129,546 | $62.29 |
Median Salary Position
0.49% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Medford
In Medford, OR, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $62,485 (2026 est.). At $103,905, the local median is 0.49% above the national median of $103,400.
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How Medford Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Medford median: $103,905/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Medford Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon Average | $113,063 | -8.10% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | +0.49% more |
Occupational Therapists in Medford, OR earn a median of $103,905 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.49% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 8.10% below the Oregon state average of $113,063.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Medford has a cost of living 1.43% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Medford, OR has a cost-of-living index of 101.433 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $103,905 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $102,437 — a 1.41% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$93,020
2025 BLS Actual
$100,820
2026 Current Est.
$103,905
2019–2027 Growth
+15.1%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Medford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $93,020 | Actual |
| 2020 | $94,730 | Actual |
| 2021 | $91,990 | Actual |
| 2022 | $100,360 | Actual |
| 2023 | $104,420 | Actual |
| 2024 | $108,580 | Actual |
| 2025 | $100,820 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $103,905 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $107,085 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Medford metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 8.4% from $93,020 (2019) to $100,820 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $107,085 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,065 (15.12%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Medford 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) | $67,061 – $97,670 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $97,670 – $103,905 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $103,905 – $127,475 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $127,475 – $129,546 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Medford
In the Medford job market, there are currently around 60 occupational therapists employed, which reflects a solid demand for this profession in the region. However, the cost of living stands at a slightly elevated index of 101.433, indicating that while occupational therapist pay in Medford OR is competitive, it needs to be weighed against local expenses. Skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehabilitation programs tend to provide the highest salaries, while school districts and outpatient therapy clinics often offer more stable, year-round contracts. Variations in pay are driven by factors such as setting—such as hospitals paying more than school districts—and the impact of certifications like the CHT. To optimize earning potential in Medford, therapists should consider specializing, pursuing certifications, and exploring diverse employment settings to navigate the local financial landscape effectively.
More salary data for Medford, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Medford, OR in 2026?
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Can occupational therapists make $100K in Medford?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Medford?
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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 $100,820 for occupational therapistsin the Medford 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