Occupational Therapists
Salary, job outlook, AI risk & career information
Median Salary
$98,340
~$47/hr · ~$8,195/mo
US Jobs
160K
Much faster than average
AI & Automation Risk
3/10
Low Risk
AI & Automation Risk
Low Risk 3/10
Occupational therapy is a highly physical and interpersonal profession that requires real-time observation, manual manipulation of patients, and the assessment of physical environments like homes and workplaces. While AI can assist with peripheral tasks such as treatment planning, progress documentation, and medical history analysis, the core of the job involves hands-on rehabilitation and emotional support that cannot be replicated digitally.
Salary by City — What You Actually Take Home
Real purchasing power = salary adjusted for cost of living. Higher = more money in your pocket.
| City | Local Salary | Cost of Living | Real Purchasing Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chico, CABEST VALUE | $128,980 | Above avg (104.7) | $123,137 |
| Jonesboro, AR | $104,470 | Below avg (86.0) | $121,522 |
| Texarkana, TX-AR | $102,430 | Below avg (85.6) | $119,611 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $134,720 | Above avg (113.1) | $119,159 |
| Spartanburg, SC | $107,730 | Below avg (90.5) | $119,053 |
| Vallejo, CA | $129,830 | Above avg (109.4) | $118,719 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA | $133,850 | Above avg (112.8) | $118,689 |
| Bakersfield-Delano, CA | $119,550 | Average (102.4) | $116,761 |
| Tulsa, OK | $104,550 | Below avg (89.9) | $116,302 |
| Lake Havasu City-Kingman, AZ | $104,720 | Below avg (90.5) | $115,740 |
| Macon-Bibb County, GA | $104,270 | Below avg (90.2) | $115,604 |
| Waco, TX | $104,370 | Below avg (91.1) | $114,522 |
| Florence, SC | $101,000 | Below avg (88.2) | $114,519 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA | $126,220 | Above avg (110.3) | $114,482 |
| Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA | $103,940 | Below avg (90.9) | $114,330 |
Cost of Living Index: 100 = US national average. Below 100 = cheaper. Above 100 = more expensive.
Education & Requirements
Education Required
Master's degree
10-Year Growth
+14% (Much faster than average)
Hourly Rate
~$47/hr
Monthly Income
~$8,195/mo
Related Careers
Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics OOH (2024)