Healthcare Nebraska (NE) Rank #37 of 50

Occupational Therapist Salary in Nebraska

The median occupational therapist salary in Nebraska 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
#37 of 50
Cost of Living
90%

Occupational Therapist Salary Overview in Nebraska (2026)

Nebraska ranks #37 out of 50 states for occupational therapist compensation. Occupational Therapist salaries in Nebraska are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $83,862 per year, occupational therapists in Nebraska earn $9,318 less than the national median of $93,180.

A key advantage of working in Nebraska 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 Nebraska 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 Nebraska for this role is Omaha, where the median reaches $86,657.

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 Nebraska and beyond.

Occupational Therapist Salary in Nebraska by Experience

In Nebraska, 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 Nebraska 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

Build Wealth on Your Income

With a $83,862 income, financial advisors recommend investing 15–20% annually. Start building a diversified portfolio with as little as $10.

See Investment Options →

Salary Percentiles in Nebraska

Percentile NE 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 Nebraska

The largest employment areas for occupational therapists in Nebraska include Omaha, Lincoln, Bellevue, and Grand Island. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Occupational Therapist in Nebraska

Education

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

Key Skills

Therapeutic ActivitiesPatient AssessmentAdaptive EquipmentDocumentationRehabilitationCommunication

Job Outlook in Nebraska

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

Stand Out from the Competition

85% of recruiters say a professionally written resume increases interview rates by 40%. Stand out from 143,300 other Occupational Therapists.

Get a Professional Resume →

Open to Occupational Therapist Roles in Nebraska?

Get matched with recruiters hiring occupational therapists in Nebraska at competitive salaries.

Or browse positions directly:

Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapist Salary in Nebraska

How much does a Occupational Therapist make in Nebraska? ▼
The median occupational therapist salary in Nebraska 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 Nebraska? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $83,862, a occupational therapist in Nebraska earns approximately $40 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Nebraska a good state for occupational therapists? ▼
Nebraska ranks #37 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 Nebraska compare to other states for occupational therapist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for occupational therapists is Hawaii at $165,860. Nebraska's median of $83,862 ranks #37 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Indiana ($83,862) and Michigan ($83,862).
What is the entry-level occupational therapist salary in Nebraska? ▼
An entry-level occupational therapist in Nebraska 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 Nebraska pays occupational therapists the most? ▼
Omaha is the highest paying city in Nebraska for occupational therapists, with a median salary of $86,657. Other cities include Lincoln and Bellevue.