Healthcare Rhode Island (RI) Rank #12 of 50

Occupational Therapist Salary in Rhode Island

The median occupational therapist salary in Rhode Island is $100,634 per year, which is 8.0% above the national median of $93,180.

Median Salary
$100,634
vs National
+$7,454
State Rank
#12 of 50
Cost of Living
105%

Occupational Therapist Salary Overview in Rhode Island (2026)

Rhode Island ranks #12 out of 50 states for occupational therapist compensation. Rhode Island falls in the middle of the pack for occupational therapist pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $100,634 per year, occupational therapists in Rhode Island earn $7,454 more than the national median of $93,180.

Rhode Island's cost of living is near the national average at 105%, meaning occupational therapist salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Rhode Island is significant: occupational therapists at the 10th percentile earn $66,960, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $137,711 — a $70,751 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Rhode Island for this role is Providence, where the median reaches $103,430.

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 Rhode Island and beyond.

Occupational Therapist Salary in Rhode Island by Experience

In Rhode Island, an entry-level occupational therapist earns around $69,120, while experienced professionals earn up to $129,600 per year. The cost of living index in Rhode Island is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$69,120
+$5,120 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$100,440
+$7,440 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$129,600
+$9,600 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Rhode Island

Percentile RI Salary
10th Percentile $66,960
25th Percentile $83,376
Median (50th) $100,634
75th Percentile $118,584
90th Percentile $137,711

Occupational Therapist Salary by City in Rhode Island

The largest employment areas for occupational therapists in Rhode Island include Providence, Warwick, Cranston, and Pawtucket. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Occupational Therapist in Rhode Island

Education

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

Key Skills

Therapeutic ActivitiesPatient AssessmentAdaptive EquipmentDocumentationRehabilitationCommunication

Job Outlook in Rhode Island

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapist Salary in Rhode Island

How much does a Occupational Therapist make in Rhode Island? ▼
The median occupational therapist salary in Rhode Island is $100,634 per year, which is 8.0% above the national median of $93,180. Salaries range from $66,960 (10th percentile) to $137,711 (90th percentile).
How much does a Occupational Therapist make per hour in Rhode Island? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $100,634, a occupational therapist in Rhode Island earns approximately $48 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Rhode Island a good state for occupational therapists? ▼
Rhode Island ranks #12 out of 50 states for occupational therapist pay. The cost of living index is 105% of the national average. Entry-level occupational therapists earn $69,120, while senior professionals earn $129,600.
How does Rhode Island compare to other states for occupational therapist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for occupational therapists is Hawaii at $165,860. Rhode Island's median of $100,634 ranks #12 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Oregon ($104,362) and New Hampshire ($100,634).
What is the entry-level occupational therapist salary in Rhode Island? ▼
An entry-level occupational therapist in Rhode Island earns approximately $69,120 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $100,440. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $129,600.
What city in Rhode Island pays occupational therapists the most? ▼
Providence is the highest paying city in Rhode Island for occupational therapists, with a median salary of $103,430. Other cities include Warwick and Cranston.