Healthcare Columbus, GA Pop. 206,922

Occupational Therapist Salary in Columbus, Georgia

The median occupational therapist salary in Columbus, GA is $80,135 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 7.5% below the Georgia state average.

City Median
$80,135
vs State Avg
$-6,522
vs National
$-13,045
Cost of Living
86%

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

Columbus offers a median occupational therapist salary of $80,135, which is $6,522 below the Georgia state average of $86,657. Compared to the national median of $93,180, Columbus pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Columbus's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $80,135 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $93,180 in an average-cost city. This makes Columbus an attractive option for occupational therapists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for occupational therapists in Columbus spans from $53,320 at the 10th percentile to $109,659 at the 90th percentile — a $56,339 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $55,040, while senior occupational therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $103,200. With a population of 206,922, Columbus is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Occupational Therapist Salary in Columbus by Experience

In Columbus, an entry-level occupational therapist earns around $55,040, while experienced professionals earn up to $103,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$55,040
$-8,960 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$79,980
$-13,020 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$103,200
$-16,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbus, GA

Percentile Columbus
10th Percentile $53,320
25th Percentile $66,392
Median (50th) $80,135
75th Percentile $94,428
90th Percentile $109,659

Occupational Therapist Salary in Other Georgia Cities

Atlanta, GA
$95,044
Pop. 498,715
Savannah, GA
$85,726
Pop. 147,780
Athens, GA
$83,862
Pop. 127,064
Augusta, GA
$81,998
Pop. 202,081

How to Become a Occupational Therapist in Columbus

Education

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

Find Occupational Therapist Jobs in Columbus

Browse open occupational therapist positions in Columbus, GA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapist Salary in Columbus

How much does a Occupational Therapist make in Columbus, GA? ▼
The median occupational therapist salary in Columbus, Georgia is $80,135 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $93,180. Salaries range from $53,320 (10th percentile) to $109,659 (90th percentile).
How much does a Occupational Therapist make per hour in Columbus? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $80,135, a occupational therapist in Columbus earns approximately $39 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbus compare to the Georgia state average for occupational therapist pay? ▼
Columbus's median occupational therapist salary of $80,135 is 7.5% below the Georgia state average of $86,657. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbus, GA? ▼
Columbus has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a occupational therapist salary of $80,135 in Columbus has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a occupational therapist in Columbus? ▼
Most occupational therapist positions in Columbus 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.