Occupational Therapist Salary in Gillette, WY: $93,844 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Gillette, WY earns a median $93,844/year (≈ $45.12/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Gillette's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 95.8), that paycheck buys what $97,958 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.3% below the Wyoming state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the occupational therapist salary in Gillette is projected to reach a median of $93,844, indicating a steady income potential for professionals in this field. For those holding a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) specialty certification, the earning potential can significantly increase, contributing to a salary range of $69,743 at the lower end (P10) to $117,905 at the upper end (P90). These figures reflect local estimates derived from BLS state-level data and adjustments for regional cost-of-living differences, giving aspiring occupational therapists in Gillette an encouraging outlook. As the demand for specialized services in healthcare providers increases, the market for therapists equipped with advanced certifications is likely to strengthen.
About the Gillette Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,743 | $33.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $78,100 | $37.54 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $93,844 | $45.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $108,806 | $52.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $117,905 | $56.68 |
Median Salary Position
9.24% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Gillette
In Gillette, WY, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $48,162 (2026 est.). At $93,844, the local median is 9.24% below the national median of $103,400.
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At 40 hours/week in Gillette: You'd be above the median
How Gillette Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Gillette median: $93,844/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Gillette Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wyoming Average | $99,096 | -5.30% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | -9.24% less |
Occupational Therapists in Gillette, WY earn a median of $93,844 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.24% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 5.30% below the Wyoming state average of $99,096.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Gillette has a cost of living 4.20% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Gillette, WY has a cost-of-living index of 95.8 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $93,844 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $97,958 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.38% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$77,099
2025 BLS Actual
$91,058
2026 Current Est.
$93,844
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Gillette (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $77,099 | Actual |
| 2020 | $78,306 | Actual |
| 2021 | $77,662 | Actual |
| 2022 | $84,569 | Actual |
| 2023 | $87,464 | Actual |
| 2024 | $79,868 | Actual |
| 2025 | $91,058 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $93,844 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $96,716 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Gillette metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $77,099 (2019) to $91,058 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $96,716 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,617 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Gillette 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) | $69,743 – $78,100 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $78,100 – $93,844 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $93,844 – $108,806 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $108,806 – $117,905 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Gillette
Currently, there are nine occupational therapists employed in the Gillette area, a small but stable workforce that suggests consistent demand. This setting presents unique opportunities and challenges, especially in relation to the cost of living index, which stands at 95.8, indicating a slightly lower than national average living cost. These conditions can affect the purchasing power of the occupational therapist pay in Gillette, WY, necessitating a careful approach to financial planning in the region. Notably, higher salaries can be found in hospital inpatient rehabilitation and skilled nursing facilities, while positions in school districts and early intervention programs typically offer lower compensation. The disparities in salaries are influenced by factors such as setting, productivity expectations, and the impact of Medicare cuts on skilled nursing facilities. To maximize pay, therapists may benefit from pursuing board certifications like CHT, seeking employment in higher-paying settings, and advocating for year-round contracts, allowing for enhanced financial stability in Gillette.
More salary data for Gillette, WY:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Gillette, WY in 2026?
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Can occupational therapists make $100K in Gillette?
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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 $91,058 for occupational therapistsin the Gillette 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 Gillette 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