Occupational Therapist Salary: The Highest Paying Specialties in 2026

In the field of rehabilitative sciences, there are many career paths to choose from—especially in occupational therapy (OT).

Occupational therapy is a rewarding career path, with an average occupational therapist salary in the United States reported at $98,340 per year.^† OT salaries can vary depending on factors such as experience, location and specialty. Nationwide data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows steady growth in job opportunities for occupational therapists (OTs), reflecting strong demand across healthcare, education and rehabilitation settings.¹

If you’ve completed an undergraduate program and want to establish a career in OT, the first step is often to enroll in a graduate program. Earning a Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) or Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) with a program like those available through the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) prepares you to pursue an OT specialty and advance your career.

If you’re an occupational therapy assistant (OTA) without a bachelor’s degree, consider an OTA to MOT Bridge program like the one at USAHS to earn your MOT in as little as 1.7 years.*

For all OT specialties, you need to successfully pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam to become a registered occupational therapist (OTR) and obtain state licensure.² Each OT specialty may require additional certification.

Once you’ve completed your studies, what can you expect to earn as your occupational therapist salary? Also, what are the highest-paying OT specialties? Below are the highest-paying OT jobs you may pursue after completing an OT program and obtaining your license.

1. Gerontology

Occupational therapists who specialize in gerontology work with elderly adults to help them with post-stroke recovery, cognitive challenges, mobility issues and various illnesses that affect their ability to perform daily tasks.

To specialize in gerontology, ensure you meet the advanced certification eligibility criteria, then earn a Board Certification in Gerontology (BCG) from the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).^4,5,6

OTs can play a significant role in aging adult rehabilitation and patient care. Today’s occupational therapy salary reflects the expertise and specialization required in the field. An OT’s earning potential can increase with experience and certification, highlighting the profession’s potential financial benefits and job satisfaction. Gerontology ranks as one of the highest paying OT specialties.

2. Physical Rehabilitation

Physical rehabilitation is one of the highest paying OT jobs. OTs that specialize in this area can design rehab strategies that are unique to the patient and focus on occupational engagement. To specialize in physical rehabilitation, earn the Board Certification in Physical Rehabilitation (BCPR).⁸ Review the BCPR advanced certification eligibility criteria before applying.⁸

3. Hand Therapy

Certified Hand Therapists (CHTs) are occupational therapists who work with clients to treat upper limb conditions caused by disease, trauma and other injuries or conditions. The occupational therapy salary for CHTs reflects their specialized skills in rehabilitating upper extremities.

To become a CHT, you need to become certified through the Hand Therapy Certification Commission (HTCC).¹⁰ Candidates must meet HTCC eligibility requirements and pass the examination.¹¹

4. Pediatrics

Pediatric OT positions rank among the highest paying OT jobs due to the specialized care and tailored interventions these practitioners provide for youth. A pediatric occupational therapist works with children to enhance their motor skills and assist them in performing tasks such as feeding and walking. Pediatric OTs also help adolescents with mental and physical limitations to live more independently.

To become a pediatric OT, meet the minimum eligibility requirements, apply for Board Certification in Pediatrics (BCP) and pass the exam administered by AOTA.^4,13

5. Autism

The occupational therapist salary for those working with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) reflects the high demand and specialized nature of their services. OTs who work with clients with ASD have a specialized skill set to help address specific challenges. They work with autistic individuals who have difficulty with sensory dysfunction and fine motor skills.

To become a Certified Autism Specialist (CAS), OTs must meet the minimum certification requirements and earn a CAS certificate through the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES).¹⁵

The average occupational therapist salary for specialists in brain injuries is competitive, reflecting the complex nature of their work. CBIS certification can further enhance an OT’s career prospects and earning potential, emphasizing the value of specialized skills in improving patient outcomes.

6. Brain Injuries

Certified Brain Injury Specialists (CBIS) are healthcare professionals who specialize in working with clients who have sustained brain injuries. A CBIS provides clients with a personalized treatment plan to promote recovery. As an OT and CBIS, you can help clients reclaim functionality and participate more fully in everyday activities.¹⁷  Meet the minimum eligibility requirements, then apply for the CBIS credential through the Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) to specialize in brain injury.¹⁸

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7. Mental Health

Mental health offers high potential for a promising occupational therapist salary. OTs who work in mental health treat clients who may need support to help them function independently in their communities. These individuals may struggle with managing emotions, planning and organizing tasks or problem solving.²⁰

8. Neurology

Among the highest paying OT jobs is a role in neurology, a medical field that studies, treats and manages disorders of the brain and nervous system.²² An OT may become a Certified Neuro Specialist (CNS) to expand their neurological skills. To become a CNS, you must complete the CNS Certification Course.²³

9. Driving and Community Mobility

Driving and community mobility OT practitioners command a competitive occupational therapist salary. Their role involves helping clients safely and confidently move through their community by driving, biking, walking or using public transportation.

To specialize in driving and community mobility, you may earn the Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist (CDRS) credential from The Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists (ADED).²⁵

FAQ

The following are common questions about OT specialties and industries.

What is the highest-paying field in occupational therapy?

The highest-paying field in occupational therapy in 2026 is gerontology, with an average hourly salary of $42.16.³**^†

What are the top-paying industries for occupational therapists?

The industries with the highest average annual occupational therapist salaries are²⁶:***^†

• Management of companies and enterprises: $115,310
• Home health care services: $110,460
• Outpatient care centers: $108,690
• Skilled nursing facilities: $101,740
• Specialty hospitals, excluding psychiatric and substance abuse hospitals: $101,290

Offices of other health practitioners have the highest level of employment of OTs, with 42,840 employed OTs.²⁶

What are the highest-paying states for occupational therapists?

• • California: $113,550
  • New York: $107,530
  • Nevada: $107,070
  • New Jersey: $105,880
  • Colorado: $104,950The states with the highest average annual salaries for occupational therapists are²⁶:***^†

California also ranks as the state with the highest employment level, with 12,470 employed OTs.²⁶ Consider the cost of living for each state when comparing average salaries.

What does the career outlook look like for occupational therapists?

The career outlook for occupational therapists is positive, with strong demand expected to continue over the next decade. According to recent projections, employment of occupational therapists is expected to grow by 14% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations.¹  This growth is being driven by an aging population with increasing care needs, as well as ongoing demand for occupational therapy to support people of all ages with disabilities and developmental or medical conditions.

In addition to job growth, there are projected to be about 10,200 openings for OTs each year, on average.¹ Overall, this strong outlook makes occupational therapy an appealing and stable career path for those entering the field.

Launch Your OT Career at USAHS

At USAHS, our network of diverse OT faculty-practitioners have real-world experience in more than 30 specialties, including geriatrics, neurological rehabilitation and pediatrics. In our collaborative MOT and OTD programs, faculty members provide in-depth expertise and mentorship. From Residential, Hybrid Immersion or Flex, choose a path that fits your lifestyle.

Ready to learn more about USAHS’ occupational therapy programs? Contact an enrollment advisor today.

*Time to completion may vary by student, depending on individual progress, credits transferred, and other factors

**The information provided on this website is based on self-reported data and is intended for informational purposes only. Payscale is a limited data source that relies on voluntary submissions from individuals and employers. The accuracy, completeness and reliability of the data presented may vary due to its voluntary nature and limited scope. While efforts are made to maintain the data’s accuracy, we cannot guarantee its absolute correctness or currency.

^†This data represents national figures, is not based on school-specific data, and represents national median annual wages, not starting pay for recent grads. Conditions in your area may vary. USAHS does not guarantee salary levels.

Sources:

1. “Occupational Outlook Handbook, Occupational Therapists,” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), August 28, 2025, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/occupational-therapists.htm.
2. “We certify the knowledge of occupational therapy professionals,” National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT), 2026, https://www.nbcot.org/.
3. “Average Occupational Therapist (OT) with Geriatrics Skills Hourly Pay,” Payscale, 2026, https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Occupational_Therapist_(OT)/Hourly_Rate/ece29f86/Geriatrics.
4. “Advanced certification eligibility criteria,” American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), 2026, https://www.aota.org/career/advanced-certification-program/eligibility-requirements.
5. “Board Certification in Gerontology,” American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), 2026, https://www.aota.org/career/advanced-certification-program/gerontology.
6. “American Occupational Therapy Association,” American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), 2026, https://www.aota.org/.
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8. “Board Certification in Physical Rehabilitation,” American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), 2026, https://www.aota.org/career/advanced-certification-program/physical-rehabilitation.
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10. “Examination Information,” Hand Therapy Certification Commission (HTCC), https://www.htcc.org/certification/examination-information/overview.
11. “Eligibility Requirements,” Hand Therapy Certification Commission (HTCC), https://www.htcc.org/certification/examination-information/eligibility-requirements.
12. “Average Pediatric Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay” Payscale, 2026, https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Pediatric_Occupational_Therapist/Salary.
13. “Board Certification in Pediatrics,” American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), https://www.aota.org/career/advanced-certification-program/pediatrics.
14. “Average Pediatric Occupational Therapist with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) Skills Hourly Pay,” Payscale, 2026, https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Pediatric_Occupational_Therapist/Salary/cda085e0/Autism-Spectrum-Disorders-ASD.
15. “Certified Autism Specialist,” IBCCES, https://ibcces.org/certified-autism-specialist/.
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18. “Certified Brain Injury Specialist, Information & Eligibility,” Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA), 2026, https://www.biausa.org/professionals/academy-of-certified-brain-injury-specialists/certified-brain-injury-specialist/cbis-information-eligibility.
19. “Average Occupational Therapist (OT) with Psychiatric Skills Hourly Pay,” Payscale, 2026, https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Occupational_Therapist_(OT)/Salary/22604a36/Psychiatric.
20. “Occupational Therapy for Mental Health,” Johns Hopkins Medicine, 2026, https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/physical-medicine-rehabilitation/specialty-areas/occupational-therapy/mental-health-ot.
21. “Average Occupational Therapist (OT) with Neurology Clinic Skills Hourly Pay,” Payscale, 2026, https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Occupational_Therapist_(OT)/Salary/b00637eb/Neurology-Clinic.
22. “Occupational Therapy in Neuro Rehab: Restoring Function and Independence,” NeuroLaunch, October 1, 2024, https://neurolaunch.com/occupational-therapy-neuro-rehab/.
23. “CNS CERTIFICATION,” The Neuro Specialist Institute, 2026, https://www.neurospecialist.org/certification.
24. “Average Occupational Therapist (OT) with Community Health Skills Salary,” Payscale, 2026, https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Occupational_Therapist_(OT)/Salary/bdeb24fe/Community-Health.
25. “Definition of a Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist,” Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists (ADED), https://www.aded.net/page/215.
26. “Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics,” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), April 3, 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes291122.htm.