Occupational Therapist Salary in Owensboro, KY: $76,408 (2026)

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

Owensboro offers a median occupational therapist salary of $76,408, which is $4,659 below the Kentucky state average of $81,067. Compared to the national median of $93,180, Owensboro pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Owensboro's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $76,408 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $93,180 in an average-cost city. This makes Owensboro an attractive option for occupational therapists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for occupational therapists in Owensboro spans from $50,840 at the 10th percentile to $104,558 at the 90th percentile — a $53,718 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $52,480, while senior occupational therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $98,400. Owensboro is a smaller market (pop. 60,183), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Occupational Therapist Salary in Owensboro by Experience

In Owensboro, an entry-level occupational therapist earns around $52,480, while experienced professionals earn up to $98,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$52,480

$-11,520 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$76,260

$-16,740 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$98,400

$-21,600 vs national

Percentile	Owensboro	KY State	National
10th Percentile	$50,840	$53,940	$62,000
25th Percentile	$63,304	$67,164	$77,200
Median (50th)	$76,408	$81,067	$93,180
75th Percentile	$90,036	$95,526	$109,800
90th Percentile	$104,558	$110,934	$127,510

Percentile

Owensboro

10th Percentile

$50,840

25th Percentile

$63,304

Median (50th)

$76,408

75th Percentile

$90,036

90th Percentile

$104,558

How to Become a Occupational Therapist in Owensboro

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapist Salary in Owensboro

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

The median occupational therapist salary in Owensboro, Kentucky is $76,408 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $93,180. Salaries range from $50,840 (10th percentile) to $104,558 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $76,408, a occupational therapist in Owensboro earns approximately $37 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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

Owensboro's median occupational therapist salary of $76,408 is 5.7% below the Kentucky state average of $81,067. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

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

Owensboro has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a occupational therapist salary of $76,408 in Owensboro has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most occupational therapist positions in Owensboro 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 Owensboro, Kentucky