Occupational Therapist Salary in Pennsylvania: $101,864 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Pennsylvania's 25 metropolitan areas, the average median occupational therapist pay sits at $101,864/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-1122. Because Pennsylvania sits at BEA RPP 97.4 (3% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $104,583 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Gettysburg ($107,880), Philadelphia ($103,140), Lancaster ($102,460).
In Pennsylvania, the average median salary for occupational therapists in 2026 is projected at $101,865, which is about 1.5% lower than the national median of $103,400. Earnings differ significantly across the state; for instance, Gettysburg ranks as the highest paying city at $111,181, while Johnstown is the lowest at $86,725, reflecting a salary gap of $24,456. Factors contributing to this disparity include varying cost of living, local demand for healthcare services, and availability of job opportunities in metropolitan versus rural areas. The state requires licensure for occupational therapists, which includes completion of an accredited program and passing the NBCOT exam, aligning with national standards. The scope of practice laws in Pennsylvania support a wide range of therapeutic interventions, influencing job availability and specialization areas. Employment for occupational therapists is anticipated to grow at an annual rate of 3.06%, driven by an increasing awareness of the benefits of rehabilitative services and a growing aging population needing therapy. With approximately 7,030 occupational therapists employed in the state across 25 metro areas, Pennsylvania presents a solid job market outlook and a steady demand for professionals in this field.
Pennsylvania Occupational Therapist Salary Range
Overall salary range in Pennsylvania: $56,662 (lowest entry-level) to $148,602 (highest top earner)
Pennsylvania vs National Average
Pennsylvania occupational therapists earn 1.49% less than the national median ($-1,536/year difference).
Pennsylvania Occupational Therapist Salary Distribution (2026)
Occupational Therapist salaries in Pennsylvania range from $74,487 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $131,612 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $101,864. The Pennsylvania median is $1,536 below the US national median of $103,400. The average hourly rate is $48.97/hr. Approximately 7,030 occupational therapists are employed across 25 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$83,438
2025 BLS Actual
$98,840
2026 Current Est.
$101,864
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Pennsylvania (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $83,438 | Actual |
| 2020 | $83,163 | Actual |
| 2021 | $90,464 | Actual |
| 2022 | $91,955 | Actual |
| 2023 | $95,223 | Actual |
| 2024 | $94,611 | Actual |
| 2025 | $98,840 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $101,864 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $104,981 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pennsylvania metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.5% from $83,438 (2019) to $98,840 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $104,981 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,543 (25.82%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pennsylvania 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.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Pennsylvania
Lowest Paying Cities in Pennsylvania
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Johnstown | $86,725 |
| Altoona | $89,559 |
| Pittsburgh | $93,640 |
| West Chester | $94,198 |
| Pottstown | $94,895 |
Best Value Cities for Occupational Therapists in Pennsylvania
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Pennsylvania cities offer the most purchasing power for occupational therapists.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gettysburg | $111,181 | 95.379 | $116,568 |
| Williamsport | $101,597 | 92.35 | $110,013 |
| Lebanon | $101,885 | 93.214 | $109,302 |
| Lancaster | $105,595 | 98.257 | $107,468 |
| Bethlehem | $103,924 | 97.4 | $106,698 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Pennsylvania
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $74,487 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $101,864 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $131,612 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Pennsylvania metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 25 Cities in Pennsylvania
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gettysburg | $111,181 |
| 2 | Philadelphia | $106,296 |
| 3 | Lancaster | $105,595 |
| 4 | Bethlehem | $103,924 |
| 5 | York | $102,215 |
| 6 | Lebanon | $101,885 |
| 7 | Williamsport | $101,597 |
| 8 | Allentown | $101,452 |
| 9 | Harrisburg | $101,246 |
| 10 | Chambersburg | $99,989 |
| 11 | Easton | $99,712 |
| 12 | Wilkes-Barre | $99,016 |
| 13 | Reading | $98,391 |
| 14 | State College | $97,845 |
| 15 | Hazleton | $97,642 |
| 16 | Norristown | $97,455 |
| 17 | Chester | $97,228 |
| 18 | Scranton | $96,619 |
| 19 | Erie | $96,423 |
| 20 | New Castle | $96,264 |
| 21 | Pottstown | $94,895 |
| 22 | West Chester | $94,198 |
| 23 | Pittsburgh | $93,640 |
| 24 | Altoona | $89,559 |
| 25 | Johnstown | $86,725 |
More Pennsylvania Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore occupational therapist hourly pay in Pennsylvania cities.
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced occupational therapists.
Compare Cities in Pennsylvania
View all comparisons →Explore More Occupational Therapist Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Pennsylvania in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for occupational therapists in Pennsylvania?
How does Pennsylvania occupational therapist pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level occupational therapist salary in Pennsylvania?
How many occupational therapists are employed in Pennsylvania?
Which Pennsylvania city offers the best value for occupational therapists?
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
Statewide 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. A 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 occupational therapist compensation across Pennsylvania. State averages are employment-weighted across 25 metro areas — larger metro areas with more occupational therapistscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
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