Healthcare Reading, PA Pop. 95,112

Occupational Therapist Salary in Reading, Pennsylvania

The median occupational therapist salary in Reading, PA is $84,794 per year, which is 9% below the national median and 8.1% below the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$84,794
vs State Avg
$-7,454
vs National
$-8,386
Cost of Living
88%

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

Reading offers a median occupational therapist salary of $84,794, which is $7,454 below the Pennsylvania state average of $92,248. Compared to the national median of $93,180, Reading pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Reading's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $84,794 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $96,357 in an average-cost city. This makes Reading an attractive option for occupational therapists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for occupational therapists in Reading spans from $56,420 at the 10th percentile to $116,034 at the 90th percentile — a $59,614 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $58,240, while senior occupational therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $109,200. Reading is a smaller market (pop. 95,112), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Occupational Therapist Salary in Reading by Experience

In Reading, an entry-level occupational therapist earns around $58,240, while experienced professionals earn up to $109,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$58,240
$-5,760 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$84,630
$-8,370 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$109,200
$-10,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Reading, PA

Percentile Reading
10th Percentile $56,420
25th Percentile $70,252
Median (50th) $84,794
75th Percentile $99,918
90th Percentile $116,034

Occupational Therapist Salary in Other Pennsylvania Cities

Philadelphia, PA
$97,839
Pop. 1,603,797
Allentown, PA
$90,385
Pop. 126,092
Pittsburgh, PA
$89,453
Pop. 302,971
Erie, PA
$81,067
Pop. 94,831

How to Become a Occupational Therapist in Reading

Education

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

Find Occupational Therapist Jobs in Reading

Browse open occupational therapist positions in Reading, PA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapist Salary in Reading

How much does a Occupational Therapist make in Reading, PA? ▼
The median occupational therapist salary in Reading, Pennsylvania is $84,794 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $93,180. Salaries range from $56,420 (10th percentile) to $116,034 (90th percentile).
How much does a Occupational Therapist make per hour in Reading? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $84,794, a occupational therapist in Reading earns approximately $41 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Reading compare to the Pennsylvania state average for occupational therapist pay? ▼
Reading's median occupational therapist salary of $84,794 is 8.1% below the Pennsylvania state average of $92,248. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Reading, PA? ▼
Reading has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a occupational therapist salary of $84,794 in Reading has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a occupational therapist in Reading? ▼
Most occupational therapist positions in Reading 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.