Occupational Therapist Salary in Rhode Island: $101,002 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Rhode Island's 17 metropolitan areas, the average median occupational therapist pay sits at $101,002/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-1122. Because Rhode Island sits at BEA RPP 100.5 (1% above the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $100,500 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Pawtucket ($100,722), Warwick ($99,987), East Providence ($99,947).
As of 2026, the average median salary for occupational therapists in Rhode Island is $101,002, which falls slightly below the national median of $103,400, resulting in a difference of 2.3%. Salary levels can vary significantly within the state, with Pawtucket offering the highest average salary at $103,804, while Central Falls is at the lower end with $95,881. This approximately $7,923 gap can be attributed to factors such as cost of living, demand for services, and local healthcare infrastructure. Rhode Island's specific requirements for occupational therapy licensure include passing the NBCOT exam and completing state-specific application processes. The scope of practice laws in the state are consistent with national standards, allowing for various specialties that are especially relevant in regions with higher demand due to aging populations or specific healthcare needs. With a projected annual growth rate of 3.06% for occupational therapy positions, the job market remains strong, bolstered by increasing awareness of mental health and rehabilitation services. Overall, the demand for qualified occupational therapists is expected to continue growing, making it a viable career path in Rhode Island.
Rhode Island Occupational Therapist Salary Range
Overall salary range in Rhode Island: $71,894 (lowest entry-level) to $141,161 (highest top earner)
Rhode Island vs National Average
Rhode Island occupational therapists earn 2.32% less than the national median ($-2,398/year difference).
Rhode Island Occupational Therapist Salary Distribution (2026)
Occupational Therapist salaries in Rhode Island range from $74,314 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $130,379 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $101,002. The Rhode Island median is $2,398 below the US national median of $103,400. The average hourly rate is $48.55/hr. Approximately 1,259 occupational therapists are employed across 17 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$86,040
2025 BLS Actual
$98,003
2026 Current Est.
$101,002
2019–2027 Growth
+21.0%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Rhode Island (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $86,040 | Actual |
| 2020 | $93,070 | Actual |
| 2021 | $95,870 | Actual |
| 2022 | $94,700 | Actual |
| 2023 | $97,490 | Actual |
| 2024 | $97,667 | Actual |
| 2025 | $98,003 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $101,002 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $104,093 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Rhode Island metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 13.9% from $86,040 (2019) to $98,003 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $104,093 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,053 (20.98%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island
Lowest Paying Cities in Rhode Island
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Central Falls | $95,881 |
| Westerly | $97,045 |
| Bristol | $98,374 |
| South Kingstown | $98,643 |
| Cumberland | $98,900 |
Best Value Cities for Occupational Therapists in Rhode Island
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Rhode Island cities offer the most purchasing power for occupational therapists.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pawtucket | $103,804 | 100.5 | $103,288 |
| Warwick | $103,047 | 100.5 | $102,534 |
| East Providence | $103,005 | 100.5 | $102,493 |
| West Warwick | $102,731 | 100.5 | $102,220 |
| Coventry | $102,248 | 100.5 | $101,739 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Rhode Island
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $74,314 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $101,002 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $130,379 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Rhode Island metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 17 Cities in Rhode Island
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pawtucket | $103,804 |
| 2 | Warwick | $103,047 |
| 3 | East Providence | $103,005 |
| 4 | West Warwick | $102,731 |
| 5 | Coventry | $102,248 |
| 6 | Cranston | $101,648 |
| 7 | Providence | $100,999 |
| 8 | Johnston | $100,490 |
| 9 | Woonsocket | $100,449 |
| 10 | Newport | $99,901 |
| 11 | North Providence | $99,699 |
| 12 | North Kingstown | $99,667 |
| 13 | Cumberland | $98,900 |
| 14 | South Kingstown | $98,643 |
| 15 | Bristol | $98,374 |
| 16 | Westerly | $97,045 |
| 17 | Central Falls | $95,881 |
More Rhode Island Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore occupational therapist hourly pay in Rhode Island cities.
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced occupational therapists.
Explore More Occupational Therapist Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Rhode Island in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for occupational therapists in Rhode Island?
How does Rhode Island occupational therapist pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level occupational therapist salary in Rhode Island?
How many occupational therapists are employed in Rhode Island?
Which Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island. State averages are employment-weighted across 17 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