Healthcare Lincoln, NE Pop. 291,082

Occupational Therapist Salary in Lincoln, Nebraska

The median occupational therapist salary in Lincoln, NE is $83,862 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 0.0% above the Nebraska state average.

City Median
$83,862
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-9,318
Cost of Living
90%

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

Lincoln offers a median occupational therapist salary of $83,862, which is $0 above the Nebraska state average of $83,862. Compared to the national median of $93,180, Lincoln pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Lincoln's cost of living is 90% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for occupational therapists in Lincoln spans from $55,800 at the 10th percentile to $114,759 at the 90th percentile — a $58,959 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $57,600, while senior occupational therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $108,000. With a population of 291,082, Lincoln is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Occupational Therapist Salary in Lincoln by Experience

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

Salary Percentiles in Lincoln, NE

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

Occupational Therapist Salary in Other Nebraska Cities

Omaha, NE
$86,657
Pop. 486,051
Bellevue, NE
$85,726
Pop. 64,176
Kearney, NE
$80,135
Pop. 33,464
Grand Island, NE
$78,271
Pop. 53,131

How to Become a Occupational Therapist in Lincoln

Education

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

Find Occupational Therapist Jobs in Lincoln

Browse open occupational therapist positions in Lincoln, NE:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapist Salary in Lincoln

How much does a Occupational Therapist make in Lincoln, NE? ▼
The median occupational therapist salary in Lincoln, 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 Lincoln? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $83,862, a occupational therapist in Lincoln earns approximately $40 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Lincoln compare to the Nebraska state average for occupational therapist pay? ▼
Lincoln's median occupational therapist salary of $83,862 is 0.0% above the Nebraska state average of $83,862. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Lincoln, NE? ▼
Lincoln has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a occupational therapist salary of $83,862 in Lincoln has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a occupational therapist in Lincoln? ▼
Most occupational therapist positions in Lincoln 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.