Healthcare Tucson, AZ Pop. 542,629

Occupational Therapist Salary in Tucson, Arizona

The median occupational therapist salary in Tucson, AZ is $86,657 per year, which is 7% below the national median and 4.1% below the Arizona state average.

City Median
$86,657
vs State Avg
$-3,728
vs National
$-6,523
Cost of Living
93%

Occupational Therapist Pay in Tucson: What to Expect (2026)

Tucson offers a median occupational therapist salary of $86,657, which is $3,728 below the Arizona state average of $90,385. Compared to the national median of $93,180, Tucson pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Tucson's cost of living is 93% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for occupational therapists in Tucson spans from $57,660 at the 10th percentile to $118,584 at the 90th percentile — a $60,924 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $59,520, while senior occupational therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $111,600. As a major metro area with a population of 542,629, Tucson typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Occupational Therapist Salary in Tucson by Experience

In Tucson, an entry-level occupational therapist earns around $59,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $111,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$59,520
$-4,480 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$86,490
$-6,510 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$111,600
$-8,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Tucson, AZ

Percentile Tucson
10th Percentile $57,660
25th Percentile $71,796
Median (50th) $86,657
75th Percentile $102,114
90th Percentile $118,584

Occupational Therapist Salary in Other Arizona Cities

Scottsdale, AZ
$104,362
Pop. 241,361
Chandler, AZ
$95,044
Pop. 275,987
Phoenix, AZ
$93,180
Pop. 1,608,139
Mesa, AZ
$90,385
Pop. 504,258

How to Become a Occupational Therapist in Tucson

Education

Most occupational therapist positions require a master's degree. Tucson and the surrounding Arizona area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Therapeutic ActivitiesPatient AssessmentAdaptive EquipmentDocumentationRehabilitationCommunication

Job Outlook

Nationally, occupational therapist employment is projected to grow 12% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Tucson may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Occupational Therapist Jobs in Tucson

Browse open occupational therapist positions in Tucson, AZ:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapist Salary in Tucson

How much does a Occupational Therapist make in Tucson, AZ? ▼
The median occupational therapist salary in Tucson, Arizona is $86,657 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $93,180. Salaries range from $57,660 (10th percentile) to $118,584 (90th percentile).
How much does a Occupational Therapist make per hour in Tucson? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $86,657, a occupational therapist in Tucson earns approximately $42 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Tucson compare to the Arizona state average for occupational therapist pay? ▼
Tucson's median occupational therapist salary of $86,657 is 4.1% below the Arizona state average of $90,385. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Tucson, AZ? ▼
Tucson has a cost of living index of 93% compared to the national average. This means a occupational therapist salary of $86,657 in Tucson has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a occupational therapist in Tucson? ▼
Most occupational therapist positions in Tucson require a master's degree. Key skills include Therapeutic Activities, Patient Assessment, Adaptive Equipment, Documentation. The job market is projected to grow 12% nationally over the next decade.