Occupational Therapist Salary in Puerto Rico: $55,652 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Puerto Rico's 1 metropolitan areas, the average median occupational therapist pay sits at $55,652/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-1122. Because Puerto Rico sits at BEA RPP 75.0 (25% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $74,203 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: San Juan ($54,000).
In 2026, occupational therapists in Puerto Rico can expect an average median salary of $55,652, significantly lower than the national median of $103,400, resulting in a salary gap of 46.2%. The highest and lowest paying city is San Juan, where all employed occupational therapists will earn the same projected salary. Factors influencing this salary landscape include the local economy, healthcare funding, and cost of living, which may affect employer budgets and wage offerings. The state requires licensing to practice as an occupational therapist, aligning with national standards, while also providing a defined scope of practice. The demand for occupational therapy services is supported by an aging population and increasing awareness of mental and physical health. The job market is expected to grow at an annual compound growth rate of 3.06%, reflecting a stable demand for professionals in the field. Overall, while the salary for occupational therapists in Puerto Rico is lower compared to the national average, the growth prospects and stable job demand indicate a steady career path in this region for 2026.
Puerto Rico Occupational Therapist Salary Range
Overall salary range in Puerto Rico: $45,315 (lowest entry-level) to $99,834 (highest top earner)
Puerto Rico vs National Average
Puerto Rico occupational therapists earn 46.18% less than the national median ($-47,748/year difference).
Puerto Rico Occupational Therapist Salary Distribution (2026)
Occupational Therapist salaries in Puerto Rico range from $45,315 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $99,834 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $55,652. The Puerto Rico median is $47,748 below the US national median of $103,400. The average hourly rate is $26.75/hr. Approximately 130 occupational therapists are employed across 1 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$34,160
2025 BLS Actual
$54,000
2026 Current Est.
$55,652
2019–2027 Growth
+67.9%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Puerto Rico (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,160 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,170 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,700 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,270 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,200 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,030 | Actual |
| 2025 | $54,000 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $55,652 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57,355 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Puerto Rico metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 58.1% from $34,160 (2019) to $54,000 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $57,355 by 2027 — a total increase of $23,195 (67.90%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Puerto Rico 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 1 Highest Paying Cities in Puerto Rico
Salary by Experience Level in Puerto Rico
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $45,315 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $55,652 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $99,834 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Puerto Rico metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 1 Cities in Puerto Rico
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | San Juan | $55,652 |
More Puerto Rico Salary Data
Explore More Occupational Therapist Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Puerto Rico in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for occupational therapists in Puerto Rico?
How does Puerto Rico occupational therapist pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level occupational therapist salary in Puerto Rico?
How many occupational therapists are employed in Puerto Rico?
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 Puerto Rico. State averages are employment-weighted across 1 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