Healthcare Denver, CO Pop. 715,522

Occupational Therapist Salary in Denver, Colorado

The median occupational therapist salary in Denver, CO is $106,225 per year, which is 14.0% above the national median and 6.5% above the Colorado state average.

City Median
$106,225
vs State Avg
+$6,522
vs National
+$13,045
Cost of Living
112%

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

Denver offers a median occupational therapist salary of $106,225, which is $6,522 above the Colorado state average of $99,703. Compared to the national median of $93,180, Denver pays above average for this role.

However, Denver's cost of living index is 112%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $106,225 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $94,844. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Denver should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for occupational therapists in Denver spans from $70,680 at the 10th percentile to $145,361 at the 90th percentile — a $74,681 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $72,960, while senior occupational therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $136,800. As a major metro area with a population of 715,522, Denver typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Occupational Therapist Salary in Denver by Experience

In Denver, an entry-level occupational therapist earns around $72,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $136,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$72,960
+$8,960 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$106,020
+$13,020 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$136,800
+$16,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Denver, CO

Percentile Denver
10th Percentile $70,680
25th Percentile $88,008
Median (50th) $106,225
75th Percentile $125,172
90th Percentile $145,361

Occupational Therapist Salary in Other Colorado Cities

How to Become a Occupational Therapist in Denver

Education

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

Find Occupational Therapist Jobs in Denver

Browse open occupational therapist positions in Denver, CO:

Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapist Salary in Denver

How much does a Occupational Therapist make in Denver, CO? ▼
The median occupational therapist salary in Denver, Colorado is $106,225 per year, which is 14.0% above the national median of $93,180. Salaries range from $70,680 (10th percentile) to $145,361 (90th percentile).
How much does a Occupational Therapist make per hour in Denver? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $106,225, a occupational therapist in Denver earns approximately $51 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Denver compare to the Colorado state average for occupational therapist pay? ▼
Denver's median occupational therapist salary of $106,225 is 6.5% above the Colorado state average of $99,703. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Denver, CO? ▼
Denver has a cost of living index of 112% compared to the national average. This means a occupational therapist salary of $106,225 in Denver has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a occupational therapist in Denver? ▼
Most occupational therapist positions in Denver 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.