Payson vs Salt Lake City: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist salaries between Payson, UT and Salt Lake City, UT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Payson, UT | Salt Lake City, UT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $93,110 | $103,039▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $44.77 | $49.54▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,031 | $80,892▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $81,297 | $87,993▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $103,281 | $107,450▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $111,725 | $132,803▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 510▲ |
Verdict
Salt Lake City, UT offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Payson.
The salary gap between Payson and Salt Lake City is $9,929 (10.66%). Salt Lake City's median is -0.35% compared to the US national median of $103,400.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Payson spans $44,694,Salt Lake City spans $51,911. Salt Lake City has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced occupational therapists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Salt Lake City ($102,152 effective) pays 7.63% more than Payson ($94,913 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Payson if…
- ✓You prefer the Utah area and lifestyle
Choose Salt Lake City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($103,039/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($132,803)
- ✓Larger job market (510 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $102,152)
- ✓You prefer the Utah area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Payson grew 19.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 19.1% growth in Salt Lake City over the same period.
Payson, UT
$75,546 (2024) → $90,345 (2025)
Salt Lake City, UT
$83,980 (2019) → $99,980 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Payson, UT
Salt Lake City, UT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: Payson or Salt Lake City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Payson and Salt Lake City?
Should I relocate from Payson to Salt Lake City as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Payson vs Salt Lake City?
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.
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