Healthcare Durham, NC Pop. 283,506

Occupational Therapist Salary in Durham, North Carolina

The median occupational therapist salary in Durham, NC is $88,521 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 3.3% above the North Carolina state average.

City Median
$88,521
vs State Avg
+$2,795
vs National
$-4,659
Cost of Living
95%

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

Durham offers a median occupational therapist salary of $88,521, which is $2,795 above the North Carolina state average of $85,726. Compared to the national median of $93,180, Durham pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Durham's cost of living is 95% 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 Durham spans from $58,900 at the 10th percentile to $121,135 at the 90th percentile — a $62,235 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $60,800, while senior occupational therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $114,000. With a population of 283,506, Durham is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Occupational Therapist Salary in Durham by Experience

In Durham, an entry-level occupational therapist earns around $60,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $114,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$60,800
$-3,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$88,350
$-4,650 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$114,000
$-6,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Durham, NC

Percentile Durham
10th Percentile $58,900
25th Percentile $73,340
Median (50th) $88,521
75th Percentile $104,310
90th Percentile $121,135

Occupational Therapist Salary in Other North Carolina Cities

Charlotte, NC
$91,316
Pop. 874,579
Raleigh, NC
$91,316
Pop. 467,665
Greensboro, NC
$81,998
Pop. 299,035
Winston-Salem, NC
$80,135
Pop. 249,545

How to Become a Occupational Therapist in Durham

Education

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

Find Occupational Therapist Jobs in Durham

Browse open occupational therapist positions in Durham, NC:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapist Salary in Durham

How much does a Occupational Therapist make in Durham, NC? ▼
The median occupational therapist salary in Durham, North Carolina is $88,521 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $93,180. Salaries range from $58,900 (10th percentile) to $121,135 (90th percentile).
How much does a Occupational Therapist make per hour in Durham? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $88,521, a occupational therapist in Durham earns approximately $43 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Durham compare to the North Carolina state average for occupational therapist pay? ▼
Durham's median occupational therapist salary of $88,521 is 3.3% above the North Carolina state average of $85,726. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Durham, NC? ▼
Durham has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a occupational therapist salary of $88,521 in Durham has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a occupational therapist in Durham? ▼
Most occupational therapist positions in Durham 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.