Occupational Therapist Salary in Lexington, KY: $86,657 (2026)

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

Lexington offers a median occupational therapist salary of $86,657, which is $5,590 above the Kentucky state average of $81,067. Compared to the national median of $93,180, Lexington pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Lexington's cost of living is 93% 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 Lexington spans from $57,660 at the 10th percentile to $118,584 at the 90th percentile — a $60,924 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $59,520, while senior occupational therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $111,600. With a population of 322,570, Lexington is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Occupational Therapist Salary in Lexington by Experience

In Lexington, an entry-level occupational therapist earns around $59,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $111,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$59,520

$-4,480 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$86,490

$-6,510 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$111,600

$-8,400 vs national

Percentile	Lexington	KY State	National
10th Percentile	$57,660	$53,940	$62,000
25th Percentile	$71,796	$67,164	$77,200
Median (50th)	$86,657	$81,067	$93,180
75th Percentile	$102,114	$95,526	$109,800
90th Percentile	$118,584	$110,934	$127,510

Percentile

Lexington

10th Percentile

$57,660

25th Percentile

$71,796

Median (50th)

$86,657

75th Percentile

$102,114

90th Percentile

$118,584

How to Become a Occupational Therapist in Lexington

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapist Salary in Lexington

How much does a Occupational Therapist make in Lexington, KY? ▼

The median occupational therapist salary in Lexington, Kentucky is $86,657 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $93,180. Salaries range from $57,660 (10th percentile) to $118,584 (90th percentile).

How much does a Occupational Therapist make per hour in Lexington? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $86,657, a occupational therapist in Lexington earns approximately $42 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Lexington compare to the Kentucky state average for occupational therapist pay? ▼

Lexington's median occupational therapist salary of $86,657 is 6.9% above the Kentucky state average of $81,067. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Lexington, KY? ▼

Lexington has a cost of living index of 93% compared to the national average. This means a occupational therapist salary of $86,657 in Lexington has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a occupational therapist in Lexington? ▼

Most occupational therapist positions in Lexington 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.

Occupational Therapist Salary in Lexington, Kentucky