Occupational Therapist Salary in Winston-Salem, NC: $80,135 (2026)

Occupational Therapist Pay in Winston-Salem: What to Expect (2026)

Winston-Salem offers a median occupational therapist salary of $80,135, which is $5,591 below the North Carolina state average of $85,726. Compared to the national median of $93,180, Winston-Salem pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Winston-Salem's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $80,135 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $93,180 in an average-cost city. This makes Winston-Salem an attractive option for occupational therapists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for occupational therapists in Winston-Salem spans from $53,320 at the 10th percentile to $109,659 at the 90th percentile — a $56,339 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $55,040, while senior occupational therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $103,200. With a population of 249,545, Winston-Salem is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Occupational Therapist Salary in Winston-Salem by Experience

In Winston-Salem, an entry-level occupational therapist earns around $55,040, while experienced professionals earn up to $103,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$55,040

$-8,960 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$79,980

$-13,020 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$103,200

$-16,800 vs national

Percentile	Winston-Salem	NC State	National
10th Percentile	$53,320	$57,040	$62,000
25th Percentile	$66,392	$71,024	$77,200
Median (50th)	$80,135	$85,726	$93,180
75th Percentile	$94,428	$101,016	$109,800
90th Percentile	$109,659	$117,309	$127,510

Percentile

Winston-Salem

10th Percentile

$53,320

25th Percentile

$66,392

Median (50th)

$80,135

75th Percentile

$94,428

90th Percentile

$109,659

How to Become a Occupational Therapist in Winston-Salem

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapist Salary in Winston-Salem

How much does a Occupational Therapist make in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼

The median occupational therapist salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina is $80,135 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $93,180. Salaries range from $53,320 (10th percentile) to $109,659 (90th percentile).

How much does a Occupational Therapist make per hour in Winston-Salem? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $80,135, a occupational therapist in Winston-Salem earns approximately $39 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Winston-Salem compare to the North Carolina state average for occupational therapist pay? ▼

Winston-Salem's median occupational therapist salary of $80,135 is 6.5% below the North Carolina state average of $85,726. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼

Winston-Salem has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a occupational therapist salary of $80,135 in Winston-Salem has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a occupational therapist in Winston-Salem? ▼

Most occupational therapist positions in Winston-Salem 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.

Occupational Therapist Salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina