Occupational Therapist Salary in Portland, OR: $115,530 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Portland, OR earns a median $115,530/year (≈ $55.55/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Portland's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.4), that paycheck buys what $109,589 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.2% above the Oregon state average.
Official BLS data · View source
Occupational therapists in Portland, Oregon can expect to earn a median annual salary of $115,530 in 2026, a figure that exceeds the national median of $103,400 by 11.73%. This salary is accompanied by a range that spans from $88,106 at the lower percentile (P10) to $135,740 at the higher end (P90). The figures presented here are derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS surveys and indicate a favorable wage environment for occupational therapy professionals in Portland. With the growing demand for skilled therapists, especially those with specialized certifications like the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT), the city’s job market is becoming increasingly attractive to potential and existing practitioners looking to enhance their earning potential.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $88,106 | $42.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $102,854 | $49.45 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $115,530 | $55.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $132,525 | $63.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $135,740 | $65.26 |
Median Salary Position
11.73% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Portland
In Portland, OR, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $47,634 (2026 est.). At $115,530, the local median is 11.73% above the national median of $103,400.
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How Portland Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Portland median: $115,530/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Portland Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon Average | $113,043 | +2.20% more |
| National Average | $103,400 | +11.73% more |
Occupational Therapists in Portland, OR earn a median of $115,530 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.73% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 2.20% above the Oregon state average of $113,043.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Portland has a cost of living 5.42% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Portland, OR has a cost-of-living index of 105.421 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $115,530 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $109,589 — a 5.14% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$93,820
2025 BLS Actual
$112,100
2026 Current Est.
$115,530
2019–2027 Growth
+26.9%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Portland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $93,820 | Actual |
| 2020 | $93,530 | Actual |
| 2021 | $98,740 | Actual |
| 2022 | $99,200 | Actual |
| 2023 | $100,650 | Actual |
| 2024 | $105,050 | Actual |
| 2025 | $112,100 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $115,530 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $119,065 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Portland metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 19.5% from $93,820 (2019) to $112,100 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $119,065 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,245 (26.91%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Portland 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) | $88,106 – $102,854 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $102,854 – $115,530 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $115,530 – $132,525 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $132,525 – $135,740 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Portland
In Portland, the employment landscape for occupational therapists is solid, with about 730 individuals currently in the field. However, a cost-of-living index of 105.421 suggests that while salaries are competitive, they must also accommodate higher living expenses compared to the national average. Among local employers, skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehabilitation settings generally offer the most lucrative positions, often driven by higher productivity expectations. The breadth of compensation reflects various factors including specialized certifications, work settings, and contractual arrangements. To maximize pay, therapists should consider obtaining CHT certification, which can lead to significant salary premiums, and explore opportunities in higher-paying environments such as outpatient clinics that focus on hand therapy. Engaging in year-round contracts and pursuing additional training or specialties can also enhance earnings in this dynamic Portland market.
More salary data for Portland, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Portland, OR in 2026?
Is Portland, OR a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Portland?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Portland?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Portland?
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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 $112,100 for occupational therapistsin the Portland 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