Occupational Therapist Salary in Erie, PA: $81,067 (2026)

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

Erie offers a median occupational therapist salary of $81,067, which is $11,181 below the Pennsylvania state average of $92,248. Compared to the national median of $93,180, Erie pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Erie's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $81,067 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $96,508 in an average-cost city. This makes Erie an attractive option for occupational therapists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for occupational therapists in Erie spans from $53,940 at the 10th percentile to $110,934 at the 90th percentile — a $56,994 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $55,680, while senior occupational therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $104,400. Erie is a smaller market (pop. 94,831), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Occupational Therapist Salary in Erie by Experience

In Erie, an entry-level occupational therapist earns around $55,680, while experienced professionals earn up to $104,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$55,680

$-8,320 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$80,910

$-12,090 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$104,400

$-15,600 vs national

Percentile	Erie	PA State	National
10th Percentile	$53,940	$61,380	$62,000
25th Percentile	$67,164	$76,428	$77,200
Median (50th)	$81,067	$92,248	$93,180
75th Percentile	$95,526	$108,702	$109,800
90th Percentile	$110,934	$126,235	$127,510

Percentile

Erie

10th Percentile

$53,940

25th Percentile

$67,164

Median (50th)

$81,067

75th Percentile

$95,526

90th Percentile

$110,934

How to Become a Occupational Therapist in Erie

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapist Salary in Erie

How much does a Occupational Therapist make in Erie, PA? ▼

The median occupational therapist salary in Erie, Pennsylvania is $81,067 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $93,180. Salaries range from $53,940 (10th percentile) to $110,934 (90th percentile).

How much does a Occupational Therapist make per hour in Erie? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $81,067, a occupational therapist in Erie earns approximately $39 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Erie compare to the Pennsylvania state average for occupational therapist pay? ▼

Erie's median occupational therapist salary of $81,067 is 12.1% below the Pennsylvania state average of $92,248. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Erie, PA? ▼

Erie has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a occupational therapist salary of $81,067 in Erie has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a occupational therapist in Erie? ▼

Most occupational therapist positions in Erie 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 Erie, Pennsylvania