Healthcare Alaska (AK) Rank #4 of 50

Occupational Therapist Salary in Alaska

The median occupational therapist salary in Alaska is $120,202 per year, which is 29.0% above the national median of $93,180.

Median Salary
$120,202
vs National
+$27,022
State Rank
#4 of 50
Cost of Living
124%

Occupational Therapist Salary Overview in Alaska (2026)

Alaska ranks #4 out of 50 states for occupational therapist compensation. This places Alaska in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for occupational therapists seeking high pay. At $120,202 per year, occupational therapists in Alaska earn $27,022 more than the national median of $93,180.

It's worth noting that Alaska's cost of living is 124% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $120,202 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $96,937.

The salary spread in Alaska is significant: occupational therapists at the 10th percentile earn $79,980, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $164,488 — a $84,508 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Alaska for this role is Juneau, where the median reaches $130,452.

Nationally, occupational therapist employment is projected to grow 12% over the next decade (much faster than average). This strong growth suggests increasing demand and competitive salaries in Alaska and beyond.

Occupational Therapist Salary in Alaska by Experience

In Alaska, an entry-level occupational therapist earns around $82,560, while experienced professionals earn up to $154,800 per year. The cost of living index in Alaska is 124% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$82,560
+$18,560 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$119,970
+$26,970 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$154,800
+$34,800 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Alaska

Percentile AK Salary
10th Percentile $79,980
25th Percentile $99,588
Median (50th) $120,202
75th Percentile $141,642
90th Percentile $164,488

Occupational Therapist Salary by City in Alaska

The largest employment areas for occupational therapists in Alaska include Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, and Sitka. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Occupational Therapist in Alaska

Education

Most occupational therapist positions require a master's degree. Alaska has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Therapeutic ActivitiesPatient AssessmentAdaptive EquipmentDocumentationRehabilitationCommunication

Job Outlook in Alaska

Nationally, occupational therapist employment is projected to grow 12% over the next decade (much faster than average). Alaska's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapist Salary in Alaska

How much does a Occupational Therapist make in Alaska? ▼
The median occupational therapist salary in Alaska is $120,202 per year, which is 29.0% above the national median of $93,180. Salaries range from $79,980 (10th percentile) to $164,488 (90th percentile).
How much does a Occupational Therapist make per hour in Alaska? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $120,202, a occupational therapist in Alaska earns approximately $58 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Alaska a good state for occupational therapists? ▼
Alaska ranks #4 out of 50 states for occupational therapist pay. The cost of living index is 124% of the national average. Entry-level occupational therapists earn $82,560, while senior professionals earn $154,800.
How does Alaska compare to other states for occupational therapist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for occupational therapists is Hawaii at $165,860. Alaska's median of $120,202 ranks #4 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include California ($136,043) and Massachusetts ($133,247).
What is the entry-level occupational therapist salary in Alaska? ▼
An entry-level occupational therapist in Alaska earns approximately $82,560 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $119,970. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $154,800.
What city in Alaska pays occupational therapists the most? ▼
Juneau is the highest paying city in Alaska for occupational therapists, with a median salary of $130,452. Other cities include Anchorage and Fairbanks.