Occupational Therapist Salary in North Providence, RI: $99,699 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in North Providence, RI earns a median $99,699/year (≈ $47.93/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in North Providence's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.5), that paycheck buys what $99,203 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.1% below the Rhode Island state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Occupational therapists in North Providence, Rhode Island, can expect a median annual salary of $99,699 in 2026, a figure slightly below the national median of $103,400. The salary range spans from $76,132 at the 10th percentile to $127,658 at the 90th percentile, reflecting significant variability based on factors like experience and certification. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional economic conditions, highlight the ongoing trade-offs in career paths. Therapists may weigh options between hospital positions, which typically offer higher pay, and school or skilled nursing facility (SNF) contracts, often favored for their consistent hours and school-year schedules. This structured choice impacts not only salary but job satisfaction as well, making North Providence a nuanced market for occupational therapists.
About the North Providence Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,132 | $36.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $84,479 | $40.62 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $99,699 | $47.93 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $114,906 | $55.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $127,658 | $61.37 |
Median Salary Position
3.58% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in North Providence
In North Providence, RI, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $51,526 (2026 est.). At $99,699, the local median is 3.58% below the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in North Providence: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How North Providence Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
North Providence median: $99,699/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | North Providence Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island Average | $103,962 | -4.10% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | -3.58% less |
Occupational Therapists in North Providence, RI earn a median of $99,699 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.58% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 4.10% below the Rhode Island state average of $103,962.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
North Providence has a cost of living 0.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
North Providence, RI has a cost-of-living index of 100.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $99,699 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $99,203 — a 0.5% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$81,909
2025 BLS Actual
$96,739
2026 Current Est.
$99,699
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in North Providence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $81,909 | Actual |
| 2020 | $83,192 | Actual |
| 2021 | $82,507 | Actual |
| 2022 | $89,845 | Actual |
| 2023 | $92,921 | Actual |
| 2024 | $88,707 | Actual |
| 2025 | $96,739 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $99,699 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $102,750 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the North Providence metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $81,909 (2019) to $96,739 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $102,750 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,841 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the North Providence 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) | $76,132 – $84,479 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $84,479 – $99,699 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $99,699 – $114,906 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $114,906 – $127,658 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in North Providence
Despite the projected salaries, the North Providence job market shows a modest occupational therapist workforce, with only six professionals currently employed in the area. The cost of living in the region, slightly above the national average with a CoL index of 100.5, must be factored into take-home pay calculations, potentially affecting disposable income. Among local employers, skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehab programs generally offer the most lucrative positions. The salary disparity can be attributed to the different settings in which therapists work, with hospital roles typically compensating higher than school settings or SNFs. For those looking to maximize earnings in North Providence, obtaining specialized credentials such as the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) can command a substantial premium. Additionally, pursuing opportunities in home health or early intervention can lead to favorable incomes. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for occupational therapists in effectively navigating their career paths in North Providence, RI.
More salary data for North Providence, RI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can occupational therapists make $100K in North Providence?
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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 $96,739 for occupational therapistsin the North Providence 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
Salary data for North Providence is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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