Healthcare Grand Island, NE Pop. 53,131

Occupational Therapist Salary in Grand Island, Nebraska

The median occupational therapist salary in Grand Island, NE is $78,271 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 6.7% below the Nebraska state average.

City Median
$78,271
vs State Avg
$-5,591
vs National
$-14,909
Cost of Living
84%

Occupational Therapist Pay in Grand Island: What to Expect (2026)

Grand Island offers a median occupational therapist salary of $78,271, which is $5,591 below the Nebraska state average of $83,862. Compared to the national median of $93,180, Grand Island pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Grand Island's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $78,271 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $93,180 in an average-cost city. This makes Grand Island an attractive option for occupational therapists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for occupational therapists in Grand Island spans from $52,080 at the 10th percentile to $107,108 at the 90th percentile — a $55,028 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $53,760, while senior occupational therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $100,800. Grand Island is a smaller market (pop. 53,131), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Occupational Therapist Salary in Grand Island by Experience

In Grand Island, an entry-level occupational therapist earns around $53,760, while experienced professionals earn up to $100,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$53,760
$-10,240 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$78,120
$-14,880 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$100,800
$-19,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Grand Island, NE

Percentile Grand Island
10th Percentile $52,080
25th Percentile $64,848
Median (50th) $78,271
75th Percentile $92,232
90th Percentile $107,108

Occupational Therapist Salary in Other Nebraska Cities

Omaha, NE
$86,657
Pop. 486,051
Bellevue, NE
$85,726
Pop. 64,176
Lincoln, NE
$83,862
Pop. 291,082
Kearney, NE
$80,135
Pop. 33,464

How to Become a Occupational Therapist in Grand Island

Education

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

Find Occupational Therapist Jobs in Grand Island

Browse open occupational therapist positions in Grand Island, NE:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapist Salary in Grand Island

How much does a Occupational Therapist make in Grand Island, NE? ▼
The median occupational therapist salary in Grand Island, Nebraska is $78,271 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $93,180. Salaries range from $52,080 (10th percentile) to $107,108 (90th percentile).
How much does a Occupational Therapist make per hour in Grand Island? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $78,271, a occupational therapist in Grand Island earns approximately $38 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Grand Island compare to the Nebraska state average for occupational therapist pay? ▼
Grand Island's median occupational therapist salary of $78,271 is 6.7% below the Nebraska state average of $83,862. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Grand Island, NE? ▼
Grand Island has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a occupational therapist salary of $78,271 in Grand Island has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a occupational therapist in Grand Island? ▼
Most occupational therapist positions in Grand Island 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.