Healthcare Michigan (MI) Rank #36 of 50

Occupational Therapist Salary in Michigan

The median occupational therapist salary in Michigan is $83,862 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $93,180.

Median Salary
$83,862
vs National
$-9,318
State Rank
#36 of 50
Cost of Living
90%

Occupational Therapist Salary Overview in Michigan (2026)

Michigan ranks #36 out of 50 states for occupational therapist compensation. Occupational Therapist salaries in Michigan are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $83,862 per year, occupational therapists in Michigan earn $9,318 less than the national median of $93,180.

A key advantage of working in Michigan is its below-average cost of living (90% of the national index). This means the $83,862 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $93,180 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Michigan is significant: occupational therapists at the 10th percentile earn $55,800, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $114,759 — a $58,959 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Michigan for this role is Ann Arbor, where the median reaches $97,839.

Nationally, occupational therapist employment is projected to grow 12% over the next decade (much faster than average). This strong growth suggests increasing demand and competitive salaries in Michigan and beyond.

Occupational Therapist Salary in Michigan by Experience

In Michigan, an entry-level occupational therapist earns around $57,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $108,000 per year. The cost of living index in Michigan 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

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Salary Percentiles in Michigan

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

Occupational Therapist Salary by City in Michigan

The largest employment areas for occupational therapists in Michigan include Detroit, Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, and Warren. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Occupational Therapist in Michigan

Education

Most occupational therapist positions require a master's degree. Michigan has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Therapeutic ActivitiesPatient AssessmentAdaptive EquipmentDocumentationRehabilitationCommunication

Job Outlook in Michigan

Nationally, occupational therapist employment is projected to grow 12% over the next decade (much faster than average). Michigan's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapist Salary in Michigan

How much does a Occupational Therapist make in Michigan? ▼
The median occupational therapist salary in Michigan 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 Michigan? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $83,862, a occupational therapist in Michigan earns approximately $40 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Michigan a good state for occupational therapists? ▼
Michigan ranks #36 out of 50 states for occupational therapist pay. The cost of living index is 90% of the national average. Entry-level occupational therapists earn $57,600, while senior professionals earn $108,000.
How does Michigan compare to other states for occupational therapist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for occupational therapists is Hawaii at $165,860. Michigan's median of $83,862 ranks #36 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Tennessee ($84,794) and Indiana ($83,862).
What is the entry-level occupational therapist salary in Michigan? ▼
An entry-level occupational therapist in Michigan earns approximately $57,600 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $83,700. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $108,000.
What city in Michigan pays occupational therapists the most? ▼
Ann Arbor is the highest paying city in Michigan for occupational therapists, with a median salary of $97,839. Other cities include Detroit and Grand Rapids.