Entry-Level Occupational Therapist Salary in Londonderry, NH: $78,487 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapists entering the Londonderry, NH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $78,487 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1122, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Londonderry's local price level (BEA RPP 107.3 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $73,147 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($106,806) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the field of occupational therapy in Londonderry, NH, can expect an entry-level occupational therapist salary ranging from $78,487 to around $88,565 as they gain experience. This initial pay is significantly lower than the city's median of $106,806. Despite this gap, the growth trajectory for new occupational therapists in Londonderry is promising; they can realistically anticipate an upward trend in earnings as they move from entry-level positions toward more lucrative roles. The gradual increase in pay highlights Londonderry as a competitive market for new grads, especially in light of the projected annual growth rate of 3.06%.
About the Londonderry Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Londonderry
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Londonderry
Entry-level occupational therapists in Londonderry, NH typically start between $78,487 and $88,565 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $58,968 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $106,806 — 3.29% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in New Hampshire of $125,000 represents just 159.26% of the starting occupational therapist pay ($78,487/year) in Londonderry. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on ACOTE-accredited Master's and Doctoral occupational therapy programs. Tuition varies between public in-state and private institution programs; MOT programs typically run 2-3 years post-bachelor's.
OT, OTR Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Londonderry
- 1Research the Londonderry market: entry-level occupational therapist pay ranges from $78,487 to $88,565, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the occupational therapy field — employers in NH often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Londonderry, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Londonderry for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Londonderry's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Occupational Therapist Compensation Range
The occupational therapist wage spread in Londonderry is $58,968 ( 75.13%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $78,487, experienced hygienists can earn up to $137,455.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$60,339
2025 BLS Actual
$76,157
2026 Current Est.
$78,487
2019–2027 Growth
+34.1%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Londonderry (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,339 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,902 | Actual |
| 2021 | $64,461 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,265 | Actual |
| 2023 | $69,273 | Actual |
| 2024 | $66,668 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,157 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,487 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,889 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Londonderry, NH grew 26.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $60,339 in 2019 to $76,157 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $80,889. New graduates entering the Londonderry job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Londonderry metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.06% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your occupational therapy Career in Londonderry
Employers in Londonderry, such as hospital systems, often have residency programs tailored for recent graduates, providing opportunities for specialized certifications that can enhance earning potential. School districts frequently hire new grads for positions that follow a standard academic calendar, allowing for summer breaks. Additionally, skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) are known to recruit new therapists, albeit with the understanding that there may be productivity pressures. To maximize starting pay, new occupational therapists should focus on obtaining their Master's (MOT) or doctorate (OTD) from ACOTE-accredited programs, as well as passing the NBCOT national exam and securing a state OT license. Acquiring optional board certifications like the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) can significantly impact salary potential. As the entry-level transition progresses, the demand for specialized skills will only continue to rise, providing a pathway for new therapists to reach higher salary levels within their first three years in Londonderry.
More salary data for Londonderry, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for occupational therapists in Londonderry in 2026?
How fast do occupational therapist salaries grow in Londonderry?
Is occupational therapy school worth it in Londonderry?
What do new occupational therapists make right out of school in Londonderry?
How do I become a occupational therapist in New Hampshire?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new occupational therapy graduates. A 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Londonderry. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Londonderry is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.06%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for occupational therapists (SOC 29-1122).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Miller, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov