Healthcare Arizona (AZ) Rank #22 of 50

Occupational Therapist Salary in Arizona

The median occupational therapist salary in Arizona is $90,385 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $93,180.

Median Salary
$90,385
vs National
$-2,795
State Rank
#22 of 50
Cost of Living
97%

Occupational Therapist Salary Overview in Arizona (2026)

Arizona ranks #22 out of 50 states for occupational therapist compensation. Arizona falls in the middle of the pack for occupational therapist pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $90,385 per year, occupational therapists in Arizona earn $2,795 less than the national median of $93,180.

Arizona's cost of living is near the national average at 97%, meaning occupational therapist salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Arizona is significant: occupational therapists at the 10th percentile earn $60,140, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $123,685 — a $63,545 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Arizona for this role is Scottsdale, where the median reaches $104,362.

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 Arizona and beyond.

Occupational Therapist Salary in Arizona by Experience

In Arizona, an entry-level occupational therapist earns around $62,080, while experienced professionals earn up to $116,400 per year. The cost of living index in Arizona is 97% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$62,080
$-1,920 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$90,210
$-2,790 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$116,400
$-3,600 vs national

Build Wealth on Your Income

With a $90,385 income, financial advisors recommend investing 15–20% annually. Start building a diversified portfolio with as little as $10.

See Investment Options →

Salary Percentiles in Arizona

Percentile AZ Salary
10th Percentile $60,140
25th Percentile $74,884
Median (50th) $90,385
75th Percentile $106,506
90th Percentile $123,685

Occupational Therapist Salary by City in Arizona

The largest employment areas for occupational therapists in Arizona include Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, and Scottsdale. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Occupational Therapist in Arizona

Education

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

Key Skills

Therapeutic ActivitiesPatient AssessmentAdaptive EquipmentDocumentationRehabilitationCommunication

Job Outlook in Arizona

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

Stand Out from the Competition

85% of recruiters say a professionally written resume increases interview rates by 40%. Stand out from 143,300 other Occupational Therapists.

Get a Professional Resume →

Open to Occupational Therapist Roles in Arizona?

Get matched with recruiters hiring occupational therapists in Arizona at competitive salaries.

Or browse positions directly:

Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapist Salary in Arizona

How much does a Occupational Therapist make in Arizona? ▼
The median occupational therapist salary in Arizona is $90,385 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $93,180. Salaries range from $60,140 (10th percentile) to $123,685 (90th percentile).
How much does a Occupational Therapist make per hour in Arizona? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $90,385, a occupational therapist in Arizona earns approximately $43 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Arizona a good state for occupational therapists? ▼
Arizona ranks #22 out of 50 states for occupational therapist pay. The cost of living index is 97% of the national average. Entry-level occupational therapists earn $62,080, while senior professionals earn $116,400.
How does Arizona compare to other states for occupational therapist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for occupational therapists is Hawaii at $165,860. Arizona's median of $90,385 ranks #22 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Nevada ($92,248) and Pennsylvania ($92,248).
What is the entry-level occupational therapist salary in Arizona? ▼
An entry-level occupational therapist in Arizona earns approximately $62,080 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $90,210. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $116,400.
What city in Arizona pays occupational therapists the most? ▼
Scottsdale is the highest paying city in Arizona for occupational therapists, with a median salary of $104,362. Other cities include Phoenix and Tucson.