Healthcare Boulder, CO Pop. 105,673

Occupational Therapist Salary in Boulder, Colorado

The median occupational therapist salary in Boulder, CO is $121,134 per year, which is 30.0% above the national median and 21.5% above the Colorado state average.

City Median
$121,134
vs State Avg
+$21,431
vs National
+$27,954
Cost of Living
128%

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

Boulder offers a median occupational therapist salary of $121,134, which is $21,431 above the Colorado state average of $99,703. Compared to the national median of $93,180, Boulder pays above average for this role.

However, Boulder's cost of living index is 128%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $121,134 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $94,636. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Boulder should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for occupational therapists in Boulder spans from $80,600 at the 10th percentile to $165,763 at the 90th percentile — a $85,163 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $83,200, while senior occupational therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $156,000. With a population of 105,673, Boulder is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Occupational Therapist Salary in Boulder by Experience

In Boulder, an entry-level occupational therapist earns around $83,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $156,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 128% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$83,200
+$19,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$120,900
+$27,900 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$156,000
+$36,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Boulder, CO

Percentile Boulder
10th Percentile $80,600
25th Percentile $100,360
Median (50th) $121,134
75th Percentile $142,740
90th Percentile $165,763

Occupational Therapist Salary in Other Colorado Cities

Denver, CO
$106,225
Pop. 715,522
Fort Collins, CO
$100,634
Pop. 169,810
Aurora, CO
$99,703
Pop. 386,261
Colorado Springs, CO
$95,044
Pop. 478,961

How to Become a Occupational Therapist in Boulder

Education

Most occupational therapist positions require a master's degree. Boulder and the surrounding Colorado 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 Boulder may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Occupational Therapist Jobs in Boulder

Browse open occupational therapist positions in Boulder, CO:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapist Salary in Boulder

How much does a Occupational Therapist make in Boulder, CO? ▼
The median occupational therapist salary in Boulder, Colorado is $121,134 per year, which is 30.0% above the national median of $93,180. Salaries range from $80,600 (10th percentile) to $165,763 (90th percentile).
How much does a Occupational Therapist make per hour in Boulder? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $121,134, a occupational therapist in Boulder earns approximately $58 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Boulder compare to the Colorado state average for occupational therapist pay? ▼
Boulder's median occupational therapist salary of $121,134 is 21.5% above the Colorado state average of $99,703. The local cost of living index is 128% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Boulder, CO? ▼
Boulder has a cost of living index of 128% compared to the national average. This means a occupational therapist salary of $121,134 in Boulder has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a occupational therapist in Boulder? ▼
Most occupational therapist positions in Boulder 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.