Occupational Therapist Salary in Salem, OR: $113,057 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Salem, OR earns a median $113,057/year (≈ $54.35/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Salem's price level (4% above national, BEA RPP 103.6), that paycheck buys what $109,077 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.0% above the Oregon state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the occupational therapist salary in Salem, Oregon, is projected to be $113,057 annually, which reflects a significant value above the national median of $103,400. With compensation ranging from $90,219 at the lower end (P10) to $134,349 at the high end (P90), these figures stem from the official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS data. The potential impact of recent reductions in Medicare reimbursements for skilled nursing facilities and outpatient therapy is vital to consider, as it may influence compensation dynamics across local settings. Amidst these fluctuations, Salem remains a competitive market for occupational therapy professionals, poised with numerous opportunities that cater to varying skill levels and expertise.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $90,219 | $43.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $101,370 | $48.74 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $113,057 | $54.35 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $130,020 | $62.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $134,349 | $64.60 |
Median Salary Position
9.34% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Salem
In Salem, OR, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $44,130 (2026 est.). At $113,057, the local median is 9.34% above the national median of $103,400.
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At 40 hours/week in Salem: You'd be above the median
How Salem Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Salem median: $113,057/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Salem Pays |
|---|---|---|
| National Average | $103,400 | +9.34% more |
Occupational Therapists in Salem, OR earn a median of $113,057 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.34% higher than the national median of $103,400.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Salem has a cost of living 3.65% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Salem, OR has a cost-of-living index of 103.649 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $113,057 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $109,077 — a 3.52% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$83,160
2025 BLS Actual
$109,700
2026 Current Est.
$113,057
2019–2027 Growth
+40.1%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Salem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $83,160 | Actual |
| 2020 | $85,740 | Actual |
| 2021 | $99,040 | Actual |
| 2022 | $100,710 | Actual |
| 2023 | $105,800 | Actual |
| 2024 | $102,320 | Actual |
| 2025 | $109,700 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $113,057 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $116,516 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Salem metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 31.9% from $83,160 (2019) to $109,700 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $116,516 by 2027 — a total increase of $33,356 (40.11%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Salem 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) | $90,219 – $101,370 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $101,370 – $113,057 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $113,057 – $130,020 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $130,020 – $134,349 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Salem
Currently, there are approximately 140 occupational therapists employed in Salem, and while the cost-of-living index stands at 103.649, this could affect take-home pay. Skilled nursing facilities and inpatient rehabilitation hospitals typically offer higher salaries, while school system contracts and early intervention programs may present lower wages. Variances in salary can be traced to factors such as productivity expectations, the pursuit of specialty certifications like the CHT, and the differences between positions that provide year-round employment versus those aligned with school calendars. For occupational therapists looking to maximize their pay in Salem, targeting skilled nursing positions and pursuing board certifications can be wise strategies, especially given the ever-evolving landscape of service reimbursement and therapy demand in the region.
More salary data for Salem, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Salem, OR in 2026?
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Can occupational therapists make $100K in Salem?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Salem?
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Related Pages
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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 $109,700 for occupational therapistsin the Salem 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