Healthcare Salem, OR Pop. 175,535

Occupational Therapist Salary in Salem, Oregon

The median occupational therapist salary in Salem, OR is $96,907 per year, which is 4.0% above the national median and 7.1% below the Oregon state average.

City Median
$96,907
vs State Avg
$-7,455
vs National
+$3,727
Cost of Living
102%

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

Salem offers a median occupational therapist salary of $96,907, which is $7,455 below the Oregon state average of $104,362. Compared to the national median of $93,180, Salem pays above average for this role.

Salem's cost of living is 102% 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 Salem spans from $64,480 at the 10th percentile to $132,610 at the 90th percentile — a $68,130 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $66,560, while senior occupational therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $124,800. With a population of 175,535, Salem is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Occupational Therapist Salary in Salem by Experience

In Salem, an entry-level occupational therapist earns around $66,560, while experienced professionals earn up to $124,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$66,560
+$2,560 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$96,720
+$3,720 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$124,800
+$4,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Salem, OR

Percentile Salem
10th Percentile $64,480
25th Percentile $80,288
Median (50th) $96,907
75th Percentile $114,192
90th Percentile $132,610

Occupational Therapist Salary in Other Oregon Cities

Portland, OR
$111,816
Pop. 652,503
Hillsboro, OR
$106,225
Pop. 106,447
Gresham, OR
$102,498
Pop. 113,103
Eugene, OR
$99,703
Pop. 176,654

How to Become a Occupational Therapist in Salem

Education

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

Find Occupational Therapist Jobs in Salem

Browse open occupational therapist positions in Salem, OR:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapist Salary in Salem

How much does a Occupational Therapist make in Salem, OR? ▼
The median occupational therapist salary in Salem, Oregon is $96,907 per year, which is 4.0% above the national median of $93,180. Salaries range from $64,480 (10th percentile) to $132,610 (90th percentile).
How much does a Occupational Therapist make per hour in Salem? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $96,907, a occupational therapist in Salem earns approximately $47 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Salem compare to the Oregon state average for occupational therapist pay? ▼
Salem's median occupational therapist salary of $96,907 is 7.1% below the Oregon state average of $104,362. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Salem, OR? ▼
Salem has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a occupational therapist salary of $96,907 in Salem has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a occupational therapist in Salem? ▼
Most occupational therapist positions in 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.