Content has loaded

Occupational therapist salary in United States (Updated 2026)

How much does an Occupational Therapist make in the United States?

Average base salary

$51.77

Average $51.77

Low $34.25

High $78.24

The average salary for a occupational therapist is $51.77 per hour in the United States. 94.8k salaries taken from job postings on Indeed in the past 36 months (updated July 12, 2026).

What Does an Occupational Therapist Do?

Occupational therapists assist disabled, chronically ill and seriously injured patients with everyday activities. They help patients relearn and increase the skills they need to live and work independently. Occupational therapists typically perform the following tasks:

Evaluate patients: To understand patients’ needs, occupational therapists review medical histories and observe patients performing everyday activities.
Design treatment plans: Occupational therapists develop treatments that include activities to perform, methods to use and goals to reach.
Assist with activities and exercises: Most occupational therapists show patients how to perform activities, and some guide patients through exercises by manipulating their limbs or bodies.
Recommend improvements: To help patients increase their skills, occupational therapists often suggest ways to improve their home or work environments. Improvements may include rearranging rooms, adding labels or purchasing specialized equipment and technology.
Collaborate with families and caregivers: Most occupational therapists work closely with patients’ families and caregivers, especially when assisting pediatric or older patients. They may review treatment plans or share progress reports with families.
Monitor patient progress: To ensure that their patients are improving successfully, occupational therapists monitor their progress closely. They often use handheld devices and computers to track data and goals.

Learn more about what an Occupational Therapist does