Occupational Therapist Salary in Glendale, AZ: $112,054 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Glendale, AZ earns a median $112,054/year (≈ $53.87/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Glendale's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $113,760 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.0% above the Arizona state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapists in Glendale, Arizona, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $112,054 in 2026, reflecting the city's competitive healthcare landscape. The salary range for these professionals varies significantly, from $75,278 at the 10th percentile to $150,718 at the 90th percentile, showcasing the diversity of positions available. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local economic conditions, offering insight into potential earnings within Glendale's various healthcare settings. With opportunities spread across hospitals, schools, and skilled nursing facilities, occupational therapists face choices between year-round employment and the academic calendar, thereby influencing their overall compensation package.
About the Glendale Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($93,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,278 | $36.19 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $88,698 | $42.65 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $112,054 | $53.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $131,675 | $63.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $150,718 | $72.46 |
Median Salary Position
8.37% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Glendale
In Glendale, AZ, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $75,440 (2026 est.). At $112,054, the local median is 8.37% above the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Glendale: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Glendale Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Glendale median: $112,054/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Glendale Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Average | $106,718 | +5.00% more |
| National Average | $103,400 | +8.37% more |
Occupational Therapists in Glendale, AZ earn a median of $112,054 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.37% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 5.00% above the Arizona state average of $106,718.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Glendale has a cost of living 1.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Glendale, AZ has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $112,054 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $113,760 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$92,060
2025 BLS Actual
$108,727
2026 Current Est.
$112,054
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Glendale (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $92,060 | Actual |
| 2020 | $93,501 | Actual |
| 2021 | $92,732 | Actual |
| 2022 | $100,979 | Actual |
| 2023 | $104,436 | Actual |
| 2024 | $96,199 | Actual |
| 2025 | $108,727 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $112,054 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $115,483 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Glendale metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $92,060 (2019) to $108,727 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $115,483 by 2027 — a total increase of $23,423 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Glendale 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $75,278 – $88,698 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $88,698 – $112,054 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $112,054 – $131,675 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $131,675 – $150,718 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Glendale
Glendale's job market currently employs about 50 occupational therapists, indicating a stable demand for these professionals. The cost of living index in the area stands at 98.5, slightly below the national average, which enhances the purchasing power of salaries earned here. Employment settings such as skilled nursing facilities can offer lower pay compared to hospital roles, where salaries tend to be higher due to increased productivity expectations and enhanced certification like the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential. To maximize their occupational therapist pay in Glendale, professionals should consider pursuing specialties that align with market demands, exploring roles in inpatient rehabilitation or home health agencies which often provide competitive compensation packages. The shift in policies affecting Medicare reimbursement can also influence pay, underscoring the importance of staying informed about industry trends in this evolving field.
More salary data for Glendale, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Glendale, AZ in 2026?
Is Glendale, AZ a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Glendale?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Glendale?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Glendale?
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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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $108,727 for occupational therapistsin the Glendale metropolitan area. A 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Glendale 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