Healthcare Ohio (OH) Rank #31 of 50

Occupational Therapist Salary in Ohio

The median occupational therapist salary in Ohio is $85,726 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $93,180.

Median Salary
$85,726
vs National
$-7,454
State Rank
#31 of 50
Cost of Living
90%

Occupational Therapist Salary Overview in Ohio (2026)

Ohio ranks #31 out of 50 states for occupational therapist compensation. Occupational Therapist salaries in Ohio are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $85,726 per year, occupational therapists in Ohio earn $7,454 less than the national median of $93,180.

A key advantage of working in Ohio is its below-average cost of living (90% of the national index). This means the $85,726 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $95,251 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Ohio is significant: occupational therapists at the 10th percentile earn $57,040, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $117,309 — a $60,269 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Ohio for this role is Columbus, where the median reaches $90,385.

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 Ohio and beyond.

Occupational Therapist Salary in Ohio by Experience

In Ohio, an entry-level occupational therapist earns around $58,880, while experienced professionals earn up to $110,400 per year. The cost of living index in Ohio is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$58,880
$-5,120 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$85,560
$-7,440 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$110,400
$-9,600 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Ohio

Percentile OH Salary
10th Percentile $57,040
25th Percentile $71,024
Median (50th) $85,726
75th Percentile $101,016
90th Percentile $117,309

Occupational Therapist Salary by City in Ohio

The largest employment areas for occupational therapists in Ohio include Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Toledo. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Occupational Therapist in Ohio

Education

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

Key Skills

Therapeutic ActivitiesPatient AssessmentAdaptive EquipmentDocumentationRehabilitationCommunication

Job Outlook in Ohio

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapist Salary in Ohio

How much does a Occupational Therapist make in Ohio? ▼
The median occupational therapist salary in Ohio is $85,726 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $93,180. Salaries range from $57,040 (10th percentile) to $117,309 (90th percentile).
How much does a Occupational Therapist make per hour in Ohio? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $85,726, a occupational therapist in Ohio earns approximately $41 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Ohio a good state for occupational therapists? ▼
Ohio ranks #31 out of 50 states for occupational therapist pay. The cost of living index is 90% of the national average. Entry-level occupational therapists earn $58,880, while senior professionals earn $110,400.
How does Ohio compare to other states for occupational therapist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for occupational therapists is Hawaii at $165,860. Ohio's median of $85,726 ranks #31 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Idaho ($85,726) and North Carolina ($85,726).
What is the entry-level occupational therapist salary in Ohio? ▼
An entry-level occupational therapist in Ohio earns approximately $58,880 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $85,560. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $110,400.
What city in Ohio pays occupational therapists the most? ▼
Columbus is the highest paying city in Ohio for occupational therapists, with a median salary of $90,385. Other cities include Cleveland and Cincinnati.