Healthcare Wilmington, DE Pop. 70,898

Occupational Therapist Salary in Wilmington, Delaware

The median occupational therapist salary in Wilmington, DE is $99,703 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median and 3.9% above the Delaware state average.

City Median
$99,703
vs State Avg
+$3,728
vs National
+$6,523
Cost of Living
105%

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

Wilmington offers a median occupational therapist salary of $99,703, which is $3,728 above the Delaware state average of $95,975. Compared to the national median of $93,180, Wilmington pays above average for this role.

Wilmington's cost of living is 105% 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 Wilmington spans from $66,340 at the 10th percentile to $136,436 at the 90th percentile — a $70,096 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $68,480, while senior occupational therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $128,400. Wilmington is a smaller market (pop. 70,898), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Occupational Therapist Salary in Wilmington by Experience

In Wilmington, an entry-level occupational therapist earns around $68,480, while experienced professionals earn up to $128,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$68,480
+$4,480 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$99,510
+$6,510 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$128,400
+$8,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Wilmington, DE

Percentile Wilmington
10th Percentile $66,340
25th Percentile $82,604
Median (50th) $99,703
75th Percentile $117,486
90th Percentile $136,436

Occupational Therapist Salary in Other Delaware Cities

Newark, DE
$96,907
Pop. 33,398
Bear, DE
$94,112
Pop. 21,000
Middletown, DE
$93,180
Pop. 22,350
Dover, DE
$91,316
Pop. 39,403

How to Become a Occupational Therapist in Wilmington

Education

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

Find Occupational Therapist Jobs in Wilmington

Browse open occupational therapist positions in Wilmington, DE:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapist Salary in Wilmington

How much does a Occupational Therapist make in Wilmington, DE? ▼
The median occupational therapist salary in Wilmington, Delaware is $99,703 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median of $93,180. Salaries range from $66,340 (10th percentile) to $136,436 (90th percentile).
How much does a Occupational Therapist make per hour in Wilmington? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $99,703, a occupational therapist in Wilmington earns approximately $48 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Wilmington compare to the Delaware state average for occupational therapist pay? ▼
Wilmington's median occupational therapist salary of $99,703 is 3.9% above the Delaware state average of $95,975. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Wilmington, DE? ▼
Wilmington has a cost of living index of 105% compared to the national average. This means a occupational therapist salary of $99,703 in Wilmington has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a occupational therapist in Wilmington? ▼
Most occupational therapist positions in Wilmington 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.