Occupational Therapist Pay

Johnston vs Warwick: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)

Compare occupational therapist salaries between Johnston, RI and Warwick, RI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Johnston, RI
$100,490
$48.31/hr
Warwick, RI
$103,047
$49.54/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricJohnston, RIWarwick, RI
Median Salary$100,490$103,047
Hourly Rate$48.31$49.54
Entry Level (P10)$78,036$72,807
25th Percentile$83,875$83,670
75th Percentile$116,900$120,516
Top Earner (P90)$129,949$135,910
Total Employed816
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Johnston ($100,490) and Warwick ($103,047) occupational therapist salaries.JohnstonWarwickMedian Salary$100,490$103,047Entry Level (P10)$78,036$72,807Top Earner (P90)$129,949$135,910US Median $103,400

Verdict

Warwick, RI offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Johnston.

The salary gap between Johnston and Warwick is $2,557 (2.54%). Warwick's median is -0.34% compared to the US national median of $103,400.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Johnston spans $51,913,Warwick spans $63,103. Warwick has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced occupational therapists.

Johnston
P10 (Entry)$78,036
P25$83,875
Median$100,490
P75$116,900
P90 (Top)$129,949
Warwick
P10 (Entry)$72,807
P25$83,670
Median$103,047
P75$120,516
P90 (Top)$135,910

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Warwick ($102,534 effective) pays 2.54% more than Johnston ($99,990 effective).

Johnston
Nominal: $100,490
CoL Index: 100.5
Adjusted: $99,990
Warwick
Nominal: $103,047
CoL Index: 100.5
Adjusted: $102,534

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Johnston if…

  • You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle

Choose Warwick if…

  • Higher median salary ($103,047/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($135,910)
  • Larger job market (16 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $102,534)
  • You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Johnston grew 9.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 7.1% growth in Warwick over the same period.

Johnston, RI

+9.1%

$89,410 (2024) → $97,506 (2025)

Warwick, RI

+7.1%

$93,392 (2024) → $99,987 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays occupational therapists more: Johnston or Warwick?

Warwick has a higher median occupational therapist salary at $103,047/year, compared to Johnston at $100,490/year — a difference of $2,557 (2.54%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Johnston and Warwick?

Johnston occupational therapists earn $48.31/hr while Warwick hygienists earn $49.54/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Johnston to Warwick as a occupational therapist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Johnston and Warwick. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Johnston = $99,990, Warwick = $102,534), job availability (8 vs 16 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Johnston vs Warwick?

Entry-level (10th percentile) occupational therapists earn $78,036 in Johnston and $72,807 in Warwick. The Johnston 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