Healthcare Waterbury, CT Pop. 114,403

Occupational Therapist Salary in Waterbury, Connecticut

The median occupational therapist salary in Waterbury, CT is $95,044 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 12.1% below the Connecticut state average.

City Median
$95,044
vs State Avg
$-13,045
vs National
+$1,864
Cost of Living
98%

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

Waterbury offers a median occupational therapist salary of $95,044, which is $13,045 below the Connecticut state average of $108,089. Compared to the national median of $93,180, Waterbury pays above average for this role.

Waterbury's cost of living is 98% 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 Waterbury spans from $63,240 at the 10th percentile to $130,060 at the 90th percentile — a $66,820 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $65,280, while senior occupational therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $122,400. With a population of 114,403, Waterbury is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Occupational Therapist Salary in Waterbury by Experience

In Waterbury, an entry-level occupational therapist earns around $65,280, while experienced professionals earn up to $122,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$65,280
+$1,280 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$94,860
+$1,860 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$122,400
+$2,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Waterbury, CT

Percentile Waterbury
10th Percentile $63,240
25th Percentile $78,744
Median (50th) $95,044
75th Percentile $111,996
90th Percentile $130,060

Occupational Therapist Salary in Other Connecticut Cities

Stamford, CT
$132,316
Pop. 135,470
New Haven, CT
$106,225
Pop. 134,023
Bridgeport, CT
$104,362
Pop. 148,529
Hartford, CT
$101,566
Pop. 121,054

How to Become a Occupational Therapist in Waterbury

Education

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

Find Occupational Therapist Jobs in Waterbury

Browse open occupational therapist positions in Waterbury, CT:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapist Salary in Waterbury

How much does a Occupational Therapist make in Waterbury, CT? ▼
The median occupational therapist salary in Waterbury, Connecticut is $95,044 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median of $93,180. Salaries range from $63,240 (10th percentile) to $130,060 (90th percentile).
How much does a Occupational Therapist make per hour in Waterbury? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $95,044, a occupational therapist in Waterbury earns approximately $46 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Waterbury compare to the Connecticut state average for occupational therapist pay? ▼
Waterbury's median occupational therapist salary of $95,044 is 12.1% below the Connecticut state average of $108,089. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Waterbury, CT? ▼
Waterbury has a cost of living index of 98% compared to the national average. This means a occupational therapist salary of $95,044 in Waterbury has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a occupational therapist in Waterbury? ▼
Most occupational therapist positions in Waterbury 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.