Introduction
How much do occupational therapists really make in each state? Determining which states yield the highest and lowest occupational therapy salaries is not as easy as it seems. First, there are lots of websites that use different calculation methods for determining occupational therapy salary (i.e. Salary.com, Indeed.com, etc.). Some use data based on the salary of job postings, while others use sampled data from employers such as the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. A second consideration when determining salary is the cost of living. We will start by reviewing the methods used by the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics to generate the wages and report on the unadjusted salaries by the state for the top five highest and lowest OT salaries by state. Finally, we’ll discuss cost of living by state and provide adjusted OT salaries based on how expensive (or inexpensive) to live in those states.
OT Salary Data
We used the U.S. Department of Labor statistics based on their thorough methodology for calculating wages. You can read about the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey used to calculate the wages, but we will provide a quick summary. Basically, The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program by the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics provides wage and employment data at the state and regional levels. However, the reported wage data typically do not account for differences in the cost of living between states or regions. The OEWS program collects and reports wage data as they are reported by employers and employees, and these wages are not adjusted for variations in the cost of living. This means that when you see wage data from the OEWS program for different states, it doesn’t consider the differences in the cost of living in those states.
Highest OT Salaries by State (not adjusted for cost of living)
In the realm of occupational therapy salary in 2023, certain states stand out as prime destinations for professionals seeking lucrative opportunities. When we look at the five highest occupational therapy salaries by state (not adjusted for cost of living), California takes the lead, offering occupational therapists some of the most competitive compensation packages in the nation. Nevada, New Jersey, Alaska, and Virginia also rank among the top states, showcasing their commitment to valuing the contributions of occupational therapy professionals. These figures, while impressive, do not account for the variations in living expenses across states, which should be considered when evaluating the true earning potential for occupational therapists.
| State | Annual OT Wage |
|---|---|
| California | $109,220 |
| Nevada | $105,020 |
| New Jersey | $104,710 |
| Alaska | $100,810 |
| Virginia | $97,980 |
Lowest OT Salaries by State (not adjusted for cost of living)
In contrast to the highest OT salaries by state, let’s delve into the regions where occupational therapy professionals may find lower compensation levels, according to the U.S. Department of Labor’s data for 2023. Vermont, West Virginia, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Maine fall into this category, offering occupational therapists relatively lower salaries compared to other states. It’s essential to note that these figures are not adjusted for variations in the cost of living, which can significantly impact an OT’s overall financial well-being in these states. Exploring opportunities and considering factors like cost of living is vital for making informed career decisions in the field of occupational therapy.
| State | Annual OT Wage |
|---|---|
| Vermont | $81,710 |
| West Virginia | $78,410 |
| North Dakota | $78,020 |
| South Dakota | $76,900 |
| Maine | $76,490 |
Cost of Living Data
The cost of living index is a crucial economic metric that assesses and compares the relative expenses associated with living in different regions or states within a country, such as the United States. It provides insight into how much you can expect to spend on basic necessities like housing, groceries, transportation, and healthcare, among others, in a specific location, compared to a national or baseline average.
When examining occupational therapy salaries across various states, the cost of living index becomes a vital factor. States with higher cost of living indexes typically require larger salaries to maintain a comparable standard of living. Consequently, occupational therapists in states with elevated living costs, like California or New York, often command higher salaries to offset these increased expenses. Conversely, states with a lower cost of living indexes may have lower average occupational therapy salaries, as the cost of necessities is relatively lower.
Understanding the cost of living index is essential when analyzing salary data, as it helps to contextualize why salaries for the same occupation can vary significantly from one state to another, making it a crucial consideration for job seekers and employers alike.
Highest OT Salaries by State (Adjusted for Cost of Living)
Some states, such as Mississippi, Nevada, Oklahoma, Georgia, and Texas, emerge as unexpected champions when you factor in these adjustments. Despite not necessarily boasting the highest raw salaries, these states offer occupational therapists a more favorable financial environment when the cost of living is considered. The accompanying table in this section provides a comprehensive comparison of adjusted and unadjusted salaries, shedding light on the real earning potential in these top-performing states for OT professionals.
| State | Adjusted for Cost of Living | Unadjusted Comparison |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi | $105,029 | $89,590 |
| Oklahoma | $104,883 | $90,200 |
| Georgia | $104,461 | $95,060 |
| Texas | $104,193 | $96,900 |
| Nevada | $103,372 | $105,020 |
Lowest OT Salaries by State (Adjusted for Cost of Living)
Turning our attention to the flip side of the occupational therapy salary spectrum for 2023, we find states like Maryland, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Washington D.C., and Maine offering lower salaries when adjusted for the cost of living. While these states may initially appear less favorable regarding compensation, it’s essential to consider the influence of living expenses. The accompanying table in this section meticulously breaks down the adjusted versus unadjusted salaries, offering valuable insights into the financial landscape for occupational therapists in these regions. Evaluating both sides of the salary equation empowers OT professionals to make informed career decisions that align with their financial goals and lifestyle considerations.
| State | Adjusted for Cost of Living | Unadjusted Comparison |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland | $48,025 | $95,810 |
| Hawaii | $53,966 | $96,600 |
| Massachusetts | $61,886 | $91,840 |
| Washington DC | $64,556 | $96,000 |
| Maine | $68,600 | $76,490 |
Key Takeaways
In conclusion, our exploration of occupational therapy salaries in 2023 reveals a nuanced environment, where factors like cost of living significantly impact earnings. While some states may offer high unadjusted salaries, others shine when considering these adjustments. It’s clear that a holistic approach to evaluating potential career destinations is essential for occupational therapy professionals. By weighing both the highest and lowest salary states, both adjusted and unadjusted, individuals can make informed decisions that align with their financial aspirations and quality of life preferences. Ultimately, this comprehensive understanding empowers OTs to embark on fulfilling careers that match their unique needs and goals in the ever-evolving field of occupational therapy.