Healthcare Columbia, MD Pop. 104,681

Occupational Therapist Salary in Columbia, Maryland

The median occupational therapist salary in Columbia, MD is $113,680 per year, which is 22.0% above the national median and 7.0% above the Maryland state average.

City Median
$113,680
vs State Avg
+$7,455
vs National
+$20,500
Cost of Living
118%

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

Columbia offers a median occupational therapist salary of $113,680, which is $7,455 above the Maryland state average of $106,225. Compared to the national median of $93,180, Columbia pays above average for this role.

However, Columbia's cost of living index is 118%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $113,680 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $96,339. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Columbia should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for occupational therapists in Columbia spans from $75,640 at the 10th percentile to $155,562 at the 90th percentile — a $79,922 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $78,080, while senior occupational therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $146,400. With a population of 104,681, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Occupational Therapist Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level occupational therapist earns around $78,080, while experienced professionals earn up to $146,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$78,080
+$14,080 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$113,460
+$20,460 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$146,400
+$26,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, MD

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $75,640
25th Percentile $94,184
Median (50th) $113,680
75th Percentile $133,956
90th Percentile $155,562

Occupational Therapist Salary in Other Maryland Cities

Silver Spring, MD
$117,407
Pop. 81,015
Germantown, MD
$110,884
Pop. 90,676
Baltimore, MD
$104,362
Pop. 585,708
Waldorf, MD
$101,566
Pop. 77,000

How to Become a Occupational Therapist in Columbia

Education

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

Find Occupational Therapist Jobs in Columbia

Browse open occupational therapist positions in Columbia, MD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapist Salary in Columbia

How much does a Occupational Therapist make in Columbia, MD? ▼
The median occupational therapist salary in Columbia, Maryland is $113,680 per year, which is 22.0% above the national median of $93,180. Salaries range from $75,640 (10th percentile) to $155,562 (90th percentile).
How much does a Occupational Therapist make per hour in Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $113,680, a occupational therapist in Columbia earns approximately $55 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the Maryland state average for occupational therapist pay? ▼
Columbia's median occupational therapist salary of $113,680 is 7.0% above the Maryland state average of $106,225. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbia, MD? ▼
Columbia has a cost of living index of 118% compared to the national average. This means a occupational therapist salary of $113,680 in Columbia has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a occupational therapist in Columbia? ▼
Most occupational therapist positions in Columbia 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.