Occupational Therapist Salary Breakdown — Gross vs. Take-Home
National median: $96,370/year. After federal taxes (single filer), that's $76,182/year take-home — 20.9% effective rate.
Occupational Therapist Salary After Federal Tax by Experience Level
Take-home calculated for single filer, federal taxes only (no state income tax baseline).
| Level | Gross Salary | Take-Home / Year | Monthly | Eff. Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | $65,000 | $54,114 | $4,509 | 16.7% |
| 25th Percentile | $80,000 | $64,666 | $5,389 | 19.2% |
| MedianBLS Median | $96,370 | $76,182 | $6,349 | 20.9% |
| 75th Percentile | $116,000 | $89,992 | $7,499 | 22.4% |
| 90th Percentile | $138,000 | $105,076 | $8,756 | 23.9% |
| Senior Level | $125,000 | $96,191 | $8,016 | 23.0% |
Occupational Therapist Take-Home Pay by State
Salary figures adjusted for state cost of living and local market rates. Single filer.
| State | Est. Salary | Take-Home / Year | Monthly | Eff. Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $118,294 | $82,997 | $6,916 | 29.8% |
| Nevada | $107,212 | $83,810 | $6,984 | 21.8% |
| New Jersey | $113,476 | $83,012 | $6,918 | 26.8% |
| Arizona | $106,730 | $80,802 | $6,734 | 24.3% |
| Virginia | $107,212 | $77,902 | $6,492 | 27.3% |
About This Career
Occupational therapists help patients regain functional independence after illness, injury, or disability, working in hospitals, schools, and home health settings. Pediatric OT and hand therapy specializations represent the highest-earning practice areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Occupational Therapist salary in the US?+
The national median Occupational Therapist salary is $96,370 per year (BLS data). The middle 50% of earners fall between $80,000 and $116,000, while the top 10% earn over $138,000.
How much does a Occupational Therapist take home after taxes?+
A Occupational Therapist earning the median $96,370 takes home approximately $76,182 after federal taxes (single filer, assuming no state income tax). Add state taxes to get a more precise figure for your location.
Where do Occupational Therapists earn the most?+
The highest-paying states for Occupational Therapists are California, Nevada, New Jersey. Top cities include San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York City, where salaries can exceed $116,000 for experienced professionals.