Healthcare Pennsylvania (PA) Rank #21 of 50

Occupational Therapist Salary in Pennsylvania

The median occupational therapist salary in Pennsylvania is $92,248 per year, which is 1% below the national median of $93,180.

Median Salary
$92,248
vs National
$-932
State Rank
#21 of 50
Cost of Living
96%

Occupational Therapist Salary Overview in Pennsylvania (2026)

Pennsylvania ranks #21 out of 50 states for occupational therapist compensation. Pennsylvania falls in the middle of the pack for occupational therapist pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $92,248 per year, occupational therapists in Pennsylvania earn $932 less than the national median of $93,180.

Pennsylvania's cost of living is near the national average at 96%, meaning occupational therapist salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Pennsylvania is significant: occupational therapists at the 10th percentile earn $61,380, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $126,235 — a $64,855 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Pennsylvania for this role is Philadelphia, where the median reaches $97,839.

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 Pennsylvania and beyond.

Occupational Therapist Salary in Pennsylvania by Experience

In Pennsylvania, an entry-level occupational therapist earns around $63,360, while experienced professionals earn up to $118,800 per year. The cost of living index in Pennsylvania is 96% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$63,360
$-640 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$92,070
$-930 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$118,800
$-1,200 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Pennsylvania

Percentile PA Salary
10th Percentile $61,380
25th Percentile $76,428
Median (50th) $92,248
75th Percentile $108,702
90th Percentile $126,235

Occupational Therapist Salary by City in Pennsylvania

The largest employment areas for occupational therapists in Pennsylvania include Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, and Reading. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Occupational Therapist in Pennsylvania

Education

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

Key Skills

Therapeutic ActivitiesPatient AssessmentAdaptive EquipmentDocumentationRehabilitationCommunication

Job Outlook in Pennsylvania

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapist Salary in Pennsylvania

How much does a Occupational Therapist make in Pennsylvania? ▼
The median occupational therapist salary in Pennsylvania is $92,248 per year, which is 1% below the national median of $93,180. Salaries range from $61,380 (10th percentile) to $126,235 (90th percentile).
How much does a Occupational Therapist make per hour in Pennsylvania? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $92,248, a occupational therapist in Pennsylvania earns approximately $44 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Pennsylvania a good state for occupational therapists? ▼
Pennsylvania ranks #21 out of 50 states for occupational therapist pay. The cost of living index is 96% of the national average. Entry-level occupational therapists earn $63,360, while senior professionals earn $118,800.
How does Pennsylvania compare to other states for occupational therapist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for occupational therapists is Hawaii at $165,860. Pennsylvania's median of $92,248 ranks #21 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Maine ($93,180) and Nevada ($92,248).
What is the entry-level occupational therapist salary in Pennsylvania? ▼
An entry-level occupational therapist in Pennsylvania earns approximately $63,360 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $92,070. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $118,800.
What city in Pennsylvania pays occupational therapists the most? ▼
Philadelphia is the highest paying city in Pennsylvania for occupational therapists, with a median salary of $97,839. Other cities include Pittsburgh and Allentown.