Occupational Therapist Salary in Pendleton, OR: $108,607 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Pendleton, OR earns a median $108,607/year (≈ $52.21/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Pendleton's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 102.6), that paycheck buys what $105,855 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.9% below the Oregon state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
As individuals pursue occupational therapy careers in Pendleton, OR, achieving the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) designation can lead to significant financial benefits. In 2026, the median annual salary for occupational therapists in Pendleton is projected to be $108,607, which represents a 5.04% increase over the national median of $103,400. The salary range varies widely, with lower-end earnings at $82,299 and the upper tier reaching $131,007. These figures, derived from BLS state-level data adjusted for local economic conditions, reflect a competitive landscape for occupational therapy in the region, particularly for those with specialized credentials such as CHT. The demand for skilled therapists continues to shape the local job market dynamics, setting the stage for career advancement within Pendleton's healthcare sector.
About the Pendleton Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($96,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,299 | $39.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $91,182 | $43.84 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $108,607 | $52.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $123,443 | $59.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $131,007 | $62.98 |
Median Salary Position
5.04% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pendleton
In Pendleton, OR, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $48,708 (2026 est.). At $108,607, the local median is 5.04% above the national median of $103,400.
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At 40 hours/week in Pendleton: You'd be above the median
How Pendleton Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Pendleton median: $108,607/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pendleton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon Average | $113,014 | -3.90% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | +5.04% more |
Occupational Therapists in Pendleton, OR earn a median of $108,607 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.04% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 3.90% below the Oregon state average of $113,014.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pendleton has a cost of living 2.60% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Pendleton, OR has a cost-of-living index of 102.6 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $108,607 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $105,855 — a 2.53% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$89,228
2025 BLS Actual
$105,382
2026 Current Est.
$108,607
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Pendleton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $89,228 | Actual |
| 2020 | $90,625 | Actual |
| 2021 | $89,879 | Actual |
| 2022 | $97,872 | Actual |
| 2023 | $101,223 | Actual |
| 2024 | $94,619 | Actual |
| 2025 | $105,382 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $108,607 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $111,930 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pendleton metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $89,228 (2019) to $105,382 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $111,930 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,702 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pendleton 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) | $82,299 – $91,182 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $91,182 – $108,607 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $108,607 – $123,443 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $123,443 – $131,007 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Pendleton
Employment opportunities for occupational therapists in Pendleton are relatively limited, with only five professionals currently working in the area. This small pool can make competition for the higher-paying positions more intense. The cost of living index in Pendleton is 102.6, slightly above the national average, indicating that while salaries are competitive, the purchasing power may be affected by local expenses. Among local employers, skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehab tend to offer the most lucrative opportunities. Variations in occupational therapist pay in Pendleton, OR can stem from a range of factors such as workplace setting, the necessity of additional certifications, and the potential for year-round contracts versus school-year positions. Those looking to maximize their income in this market should consider obtaining specialized certifications and continuously enhancing their skills to tap into higher-paying roles, ultimately ensuring their occupational therapist salary reflects their expertise and dedication.
More salary data for Pendleton, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $105,382 for occupational therapistsin the Pendleton 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 Pendleton 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