Occupational Therapist Salary in Phoenix, AZ: $108,275 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Phoenix, AZ earns a median $108,275/year (≈ $52.06/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Phoenix's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.3), that paycheck buys what $104,800 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% above the Arizona state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, occupational therapists in Phoenix, Arizona, can expect a median annual salary of $108,275, which positions the city above the national median of $103,400, translating into a notable increase of 4.71%. The salary range for this profession varies significantly, from $80,552 at the 10th percentile to $137,771 at the 90th percentile, revealing a wide disparity based on experience, specialization, and work setting. This data is derived from the official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, and it reflects the current market dynamics that have been influenced notably by Medicare cuts impacting skilled nursing facilities (SNF) and outpatient therapy compensation following 2022. The competitive salary growth highlights the demand for occupational therapists in Phoenix, a trend that holds promise for those entering the workforce or considering a move to this area.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,552 | $38.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $88,601 | $42.59 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $108,275 | $52.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $127,423 | $61.26 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $137,771 | $66.24 |
Median Salary Position
4.71% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Phoenix
In Phoenix, AZ, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $57,219 (2026 est.). At $108,275, the local median is 4.71% above the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Phoenix: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Phoenix Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Phoenix median: $108,275/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Phoenix Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Average | $106,675 | +1.50% more |
| National Average | $103,400 | +4.71% more |
Occupational Therapists in Phoenix, AZ earn a median of $108,275 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.71% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 1.50% above the Arizona state average of $106,675.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Phoenix has a cost of living 3.32% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Phoenix, AZ has a cost-of-living index of 103.316 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $108,275 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $104,800 — a 3.21% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$94,550
2025 BLS Actual
$105,060
2026 Current Est.
$108,275
2019–2027 Growth
+18.0%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Phoenix (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $94,550 | Actual |
| 2020 | $97,130 | Actual |
| 2021 | $80,690 | Actual |
| 2022 | $84,450 | Actual |
| 2023 | $96,980 | Actual |
| 2024 | $103,090 | Actual |
| 2025 | $105,060 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $108,275 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $111,588 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Phoenix metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 11.1% from $94,550 (2019) to $105,060 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $111,588 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,038 (18.02%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Phoenix 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) | $80,552 – $88,601 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $88,601 – $108,275 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $108,275 – $127,423 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $127,423 – $137,771 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Phoenix
With approximately 2,070 occupational therapists currently employed in Phoenix, the local job market showcases robust opportunities, but it is vital to consider the cost of living. The area's cost of living index stands at 103.316, indicating slightly above-average expenses that can affect take-home purchasing power. Positions in skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehabilitation generally offer competitive pay, while outpatient settings and early intervention programs may present lower compensation. The variance in salaries is largely driven by factors such as the setting of employment, additional certifications like the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT), and specific productivity expectations. To maximize earnings in this Phoenix market, OTs should focus on securing roles within higher-paying facilities and considering additional credentials to enhance their marketability and pay scale, particularly in the wake of changing Medicare policies and the continuous evolution of industry requirements.
More salary data for Phoenix, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Phoenix, AZ in 2026?
Is Phoenix, AZ a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Phoenix?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Phoenix?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Phoenix?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Arizona
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 $105,060 for occupational therapistsin the Phoenix 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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