Occupational Therapist Salary in Altoona, PA: $89,559 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Altoona, PA earns a median $89,559/year (≈ $43.06/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Altoona's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 89.5), that paycheck buys what $100,058 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 11.0% below the Pennsylvania state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the occupational therapist salary in Altoona, PA is projected to reach a median annual figure of $89,559, a rate that reflects the local market's dynamics and is notably lower than the national median of $103,400. The salary range for this profession in Altoona varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $56,662, while the highest earners can make up to $119,127. These figures, derived from the official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS surveys, illustrate the potential for growth and variation in pay depending on factors such as employer type and work setting. Considering the city's focus on hospitals, skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), and schools, occupational therapists must understand the implications of their choices on income and job stability, reinforcing the importance of evaluating all options available within the local healthcare ecosystem.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $56,662 | $27.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $76,429 | $36.74 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $89,559 | $43.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $113,139 | $54.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $119,127 | $57.27 |
Median Salary Position
13.39% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Altoona
In Altoona, PA, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $62,465 (2026 est.). At $89,559, the local median is 13.39% below the national median of $103,400.
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At 40 hours/week in Altoona: You'd be above the median
How Altoona Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Altoona median: $89,559/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Altoona Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania Average | $100,628 | -11.00% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | -13.39% less |
Occupational Therapists in Altoona, PA earn a median of $89,559 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.39% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 11.00% below the Pennsylvania state average of $100,628.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Altoona has a cost of living 10.49% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Altoona, PA has a cost-of-living index of 89.507 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $89,559 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $100,058 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.72% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$70,460
2025 BLS Actual
$86,900
2026 Current Est.
$89,559
2019–2027 Growth
+31.0%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Altoona (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $70,460 | Actual |
| 2020 | $74,560 | Actual |
| 2021 | $73,910 | Actual |
| 2022 | $78,550 | Actual |
| 2023 | $81,550 | Actual |
| 2024 | $80,130 | Actual |
| 2025 | $86,900 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $89,559 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $92,300 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Altoona metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 23.3% from $70,460 (2019) to $86,900 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $92,300 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,840 (31.00%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Altoona 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) | $56,662 – $76,429 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $76,429 – $89,559 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $89,559 – $113,139 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $113,139 – $119,127 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Altoona
The local job market features around 110 employed occupational therapists, which creates a diverse environment for potential job seekers. With a cost-of-living index of 89.507, professionals must also take into account how much purchasing power their salaries afford them. Employers in Altoona that tend to pay higher salaries include hospital inpatient rehab and outpatient clinics, where therapists can often command additional compensation through specialized certifications such as the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) designation. Positions in skilled nursing facilities tend to pay less, partly due to Medicare cuts impacting reimbursements. To maximize earnings, occupational therapists in Altoona should consider pursuing further certifications or specializations, such as CHT, and focusing on year-round contracts rather than those tied to the school year, as the latter may offer lower compensation. Client productivity expectations can also influence pay rates in this sector. Understanding these nuances is essential for negotiating a favorable occupational therapist pay in Altoona, PA.
More salary data for Altoona, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Altoona, PA in 2026?
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Can occupational therapists make $100K in Altoona?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Altoona?
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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 $86,900 for occupational therapistsin the Altoona 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