Healthcare Athens, GA Pop. 127,064

Occupational Therapist Salary in Athens, Georgia

The median occupational therapist salary in Athens, GA is $83,862 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 3.2% below the Georgia state average.

City Median
$83,862
vs State Avg
$-2,795
vs National
$-9,318
Cost of Living
90%

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

Athens offers a median occupational therapist salary of $83,862, which is $2,795 below the Georgia state average of $86,657. Compared to the national median of $93,180, Athens pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Athens's cost of living is 90% 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 Athens spans from $55,800 at the 10th percentile to $114,759 at the 90th percentile — a $58,959 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $57,600, while senior occupational therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $108,000. With a population of 127,064, Athens is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Occupational Therapist Salary in Athens by Experience

In Athens, an entry-level occupational therapist earns around $57,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $108,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$57,600
$-6,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$83,700
$-9,300 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$108,000
$-12,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Athens, GA

Percentile Athens
10th Percentile $55,800
25th Percentile $69,480
Median (50th) $83,862
75th Percentile $98,820
90th Percentile $114,759

Occupational Therapist Salary in Other Georgia Cities

Atlanta, GA
$95,044
Pop. 498,715
Savannah, GA
$85,726
Pop. 147,780
Augusta, GA
$81,998
Pop. 202,081
Columbus, GA
$80,135
Pop. 206,922

How to Become a Occupational Therapist in Athens

Education

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

Find Occupational Therapist Jobs in Athens

Browse open occupational therapist positions in Athens, GA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapist Salary in Athens

How much does a Occupational Therapist make in Athens, GA? ▼
The median occupational therapist salary in Athens, Georgia is $83,862 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $93,180. Salaries range from $55,800 (10th percentile) to $114,759 (90th percentile).
How much does a Occupational Therapist make per hour in Athens? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $83,862, a occupational therapist in Athens earns approximately $40 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Athens compare to the Georgia state average for occupational therapist pay? ▼
Athens's median occupational therapist salary of $83,862 is 3.2% below the Georgia state average of $86,657. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Athens, GA? ▼
Athens has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a occupational therapist salary of $83,862 in Athens has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a occupational therapist in Athens? ▼
Most occupational therapist positions in Athens 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.