Entry-Level Occupational Therapist Salary in Beaverton, OR: $76,960 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapists entering the Beaverton, OR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $76,960 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1122, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Beaverton's local price level (BEA RPP 102.6 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $75,010 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($112,387) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Graduates seeking their first position as occupational therapists in Beaverton, Oregon, can generally expect an entry-level salary around $76,960. This starting figure is below the city median of $112,387, indicating a significant gap for newcomers in their initial year. However, the outlook is promising; entry-level professionals can anticipate salary increases as they gain experience, moving towards the 25th percentile at $89,076 within a few years. With a projected annual growth rate of 3.06% in the occupational therapy field, Beaverton presents a strong job market for new graduates. The area's competitive salaries and demand for therapists make it an attractive place for fresh entrants to establish their careers.
About the Beaverton Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($96,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Beaverton
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 Beaverton
Entry-level occupational therapists in Beaverton, OR typically start between $76,960 and $89,076 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $74,776 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $112,387 — 8.69% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in Oregon of $115,000 represents just 149.43% of the starting occupational therapist pay ($76,960/year) in Beaverton. 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 Beaverton
- 1Research the Beaverton market: entry-level occupational therapist pay ranges from $76,960 to $89,076, 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 OR often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Beaverton, 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 Beaverton for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Beaverton'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 Beaverton is $74,776 ( 97.16%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $76,960, experienced hygienists can earn up to $151,736.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$59,165
2025 BLS Actual
$74,675
2026 Current Est.
$76,960
2019–2027 Growth
+34.1%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Beaverton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,165 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,717 | Actual |
| 2021 | $63,207 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,956 | Actual |
| 2023 | $67,925 | Actual |
| 2024 | $63,885 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,675 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,960 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79,315 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Beaverton, OR grew 26.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $59,165 in 2019 to $74,675 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $79,315. New graduates entering the Beaverton job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Beaverton 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 Beaverton
Employers in Beaverton that actively recruit newly licensed therapists include local hospital systems offering residency programs, which can pave the way for specialty certifications. School districts provide opportunities for contracts that often include summers off, appealing to many new graduates. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) are also a key player in hiring but typically place higher expectations regarding productivity. To enhance starting salaries, it's crucial for new grads to hold a Master’s or Doctorate from an ACOTE-accredited program, and to pass the NBCOT exam for national certification. Furthermore, pursuing optional board certifications, such as the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT), is instrumental in differentiating within the job market. In the first three years, new occupational therapists can realistically expect salary growth that correlates with the increasing demand and specialization opportunities available in the region.
More salary data for Beaverton, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for occupational therapists in Beaverton in 2026?
How fast do occupational therapist salaries grow in Beaverton?
Is occupational therapy school worth it in Beaverton?
What do new occupational therapists make right out of school in Beaverton?
How do I become a occupational therapist in Oregon?
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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 Beaverton. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Beaverton 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