Occupational Therapist Pay

Central Point vs Eugene: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)

Compare occupational therapist salaries between Central Point, OR and Eugene, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Central Point, OR
$107,170
$51.52/hr
Eugene, OR
$111,284
$53.50/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCentral Point, OREugene, OR
Median Salary$107,170$111,284
Hourly Rate$51.52$53.50
Entry Level (P10)$78,860$84,334
25th Percentile$88,182$99,494
75th Percentile$120,044$125,537
Top Earner (P90)$130,482$147,974
Total Employed6120
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Central Point ($107,170) and Eugene ($111,284) occupational therapist salaries.Central PointEugeneMedian Salary$107,170$111,284Entry Level (P10)$78,860$84,334Top Earner (P90)$130,482$147,974US Median $103,400

Verdict

Eugene, OR offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Central Point.

The salary gap between Central Point and Eugene is $4,114 (3.84%). Eugene's median is +7.62% compared to the US national median of $103,400.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Central Point spans $51,622,Eugene spans $63,640. Eugene has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced occupational therapists.

Central Point
P10 (Entry)$78,860
P25$88,182
Median$107,170
P75$120,044
P90 (Top)$130,482
Eugene
P10 (Entry)$84,334
P25$99,494
Median$111,284
P75$125,537
P90 (Top)$147,974

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Eugene ($109,566 effective) pays 4.89% more than Central Point ($104,454 effective).

Central Point
Nominal: $107,170
CoL Index: 102.6
Adjusted: $104,454
Eugene
Nominal: $111,284
CoL Index: 101.568
Adjusted: $109,566

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Central Point if…

  • You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle

Choose Eugene if…

  • Higher median salary ($111,284/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($147,974)
  • Larger job market (120 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $109,566)
  • You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Central Point grew 11.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 17.5% growth in Eugene over the same period.

Central Point, OR

+11.4%

$93,368 (2024) → $103,988 (2025)

Eugene, OR

+17.5%

$91,910 (2019) → $107,980 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays occupational therapists more: Central Point or Eugene?

Eugene has a higher median occupational therapist salary at $111,284/year, compared to Central Point at $107,170/year — a difference of $4,114 (3.84%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Central Point and Eugene?

Central Point occupational therapists earn $51.52/hr while Eugene hygienists earn $53.50/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Central Point to Eugene as a occupational therapist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Central Point and Eugene. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Central Point = $104,454, Eugene = $109,566), job availability (6 vs 120 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Central Point vs Eugene?

Entry-level (10th percentile) occupational therapists earn $78,860 in Central Point and $84,334 in Eugene. The Eugene area offers higher starting salaries.
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