Occupational Therapist Salary in Orem, UT: $97,754 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Orem, UT earns a median $97,754/year (≈ $47.00/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Orem's price level (2% below national, BEA RPP 98.1), that paycheck buys what $99,647 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% below the Utah state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapist salaries in Orem, Utah, reflect the impact of significant trends such as Medicare cuts affecting skilled nursing facilities (SNF) and outpatient services post-2022. In 2026, the projected median annual salary stands at $97,754, slightly below the national median of $103,400. Compensation in Orem varies considerably, with salaries ranging from $72,471 at the low end (10th percentile) to $132,685 at the high end (90th percentile). These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local economic conditions, indicating a competitive yet nuanced job market for occupational therapists in the region.
About the Orem Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,471 | $34.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $81,626 | $39.25 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $97,754 | $47.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $116,579 | $56.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $132,685 | $63.79 |
Median Salary Position
5.46% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Orem
In Orem, UT, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $60,214 (2026 est.). At $97,754, the local median is 5.46% below the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Orem: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Orem Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Orem median: $97,754/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Orem Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Utah Average | $99,142 | -1.40% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | -5.46% less |
Occupational Therapists in Orem, UT earn a median of $97,754 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.46% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 1.40% below the Utah state average of $99,142.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Orem has a cost of living 1.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Orem, UT has a cost-of-living index of 98.1 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $97,754 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $99,647 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.94% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$80,312
2025 BLS Actual
$94,852
2026 Current Est.
$97,754
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Orem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $80,312 | Actual |
| 2020 | $81,569 | Actual |
| 2021 | $80,898 | Actual |
| 2022 | $88,092 | Actual |
| 2023 | $91,108 | Actual |
| 2024 | $78,800 | Actual |
| 2025 | $94,852 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $97,754 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $100,746 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Orem metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $80,312 (2019) to $94,852 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $100,746 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,434 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Orem 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) | $72,471 – $81,626 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $81,626 – $97,754 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $97,754 – $116,579 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $116,579 – $132,685 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Orem
With 24 occupational therapists currently employed in Orem, the local job market appears stable, though the cost-of-living index, sitting at 98.1, suggests that purchasing power may be somewhat constrained. Employers in the area that generally offer higher pay include hospital inpatient rehabilitation facilities and outpatient hand therapy clinics. The pay disparities can be attributed to setting differences, with hospital roles typically offering better compensation than positions in schools or SNFs. Certifications such as the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) can further enhance earnings. Occupational therapists looking to maximize their pay in Orem should consider pursuing relevant specialties, negotiating contracts to ensure favorable terms, and possibly seeking positions that provide year-round opportunities rather than school-year contracts.
More salary data for Orem, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Orem, UT in 2026?
Is Orem, UT a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Orem?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Orem?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Orem?
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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 $94,852 for occupational therapistsin the Orem 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 Orem 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