Occupational Therapist Pay

Allen Park vs Detroit: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)

Compare occupational therapist salaries between Allen Park, MI and Detroit, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Allen Park, MI
$85,198
$40.96/hr
Detroit, MI
$92,342
$44.40/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAllen Park, MIDetroit, MI
Median Salary$85,198$92,342
Hourly Rate$40.96$44.40
Entry Level (P10)$65,700$68,617
25th Percentile$71,037$82,572
75th Percentile$98,909$103,699
Top Earner (P90)$110,267$110,418
Total Employed52,030
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Allen Park ($85,198) and Detroit ($92,342) occupational therapist salaries.Allen ParkDetroitMedian Salary$85,198$92,342Entry Level (P10)$65,700$68,617Top Earner (P90)$110,267$110,418US Median $103,400

Verdict

Detroit, MI offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Allen Park.

The salary gap between Allen Park and Detroit is $7,144 (8.39%). Detroit's median is -10.69% compared to the US national median of $103,400.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Allen Park spans $44,567,Detroit spans $41,801. Allen Park has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Allen Park
P10 (Entry)$65,700
P25$71,037
Median$85,198
P75$98,909
P90 (Top)$110,267
Detroit
P10 (Entry)$68,617
P25$82,572
Median$92,342
P75$103,699
P90 (Top)$110,418

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Detroit ($92,068 effective) pays 0.71% more than Allen Park ($91,414 effective).

Allen Park
Nominal: $85,198
CoL Index: 93.2
Adjusted: $91,414
Detroit
Nominal: $92,342
CoL Index: 100.298
Adjusted: $92,068

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Allen Park if…

  • You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle

Choose Detroit if…

  • Higher median salary ($92,342/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($110,418)
  • Larger job market (2,030 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $92,068)
  • You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Allen Park grew 6.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 13.5% growth in Detroit over the same period.

Allen Park, MI

+6.7%

$77,452 (2024) → $82,668 (2025)

Detroit, MI

+13.5%

$78,910 (2019) → $89,600 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays occupational therapists more: Allen Park or Detroit?

Detroit has a higher median occupational therapist salary at $92,342/year, compared to Allen Park at $85,198/year — a difference of $7,144 (8.39%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Allen Park and Detroit?

Allen Park occupational therapists earn $40.96/hr while Detroit hygienists earn $44.40/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Allen Park to Detroit as a occupational therapist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Allen Park and Detroit. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Allen Park = $91,414, Detroit = $92,068), job availability (5 vs 2,030 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Allen Park vs Detroit?

Entry-level (10th percentile) occupational therapists earn $65,700 in Allen Park and $68,617 in Detroit. The Detroit area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

JM

Written by Jordan Miller, OTR/L

Career Analyst

Jordan has 10 years of experience in occupational therapy. They specialize in pediatrics and work in a rehabilitation clinic.

Clinically reviewed by Sofia Chen, OTR/LData verified by Luis Garcia, OTR/L

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.06% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

Compiled and verified by Jordan Miller, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov