Occupational Therapist Salary in Lexington, KY: $98,752 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Lexington, KY earns a median $98,752/year (≈ $47.48/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Lexington's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.9), that paycheck buys what $106,312 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.2% above the Kentucky state average.
Official BLS data · View source
With a projected median annual salary of $98,752 in 2026, occupational therapists in Lexington, KY, enjoy compensation that is slightly below the national median of $103,400. This salary data shows a range where entry-level positions start at approximately $69,421 (P10), while those at the top of their field can earn as much as $120,642 (P90). These figures, derived from official BLS OEWS surveys, reflect the sector's diverse opportunities, notably in hospital settings, skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), and schools. The choice between year-round positions and school-year contracts can influence earnings, as therapists in hospitals typically have higher compensation than those working in school districts or SNFs. With the local job market employing around 320 occupational therapists, Lexington continues to present viable career options within the field.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,421 | $33.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $80,820 | $38.85 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $98,752 | $47.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $106,214 | $51.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $120,642 | $58.00 |
Median Salary Position
4.5% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lexington
In Lexington, KY, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $51,221 (2026 est.). At $98,752, the local median is 4.5% below the national median of $103,400.
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At 40 hours/week in Lexington: You'd be above the median
How Lexington Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Lexington median: $98,752/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lexington Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Average | $98,555 | +0.20% more |
| National Average | $103,400 | -4.50% less |
Occupational Therapists in Lexington, KY earn a median of $98,752 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.50% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 0.20% above the Kentucky state average of $98,555.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lexington has a cost of living 7.11% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lexington, KY has a cost-of-living index of 92.889 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $98,752 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $106,312 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.66% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$77,950
2025 BLS Actual
$95,820
2026 Current Est.
$98,752
2019–2027 Growth
+30.6%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Lexington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $77,950 | Actual |
| 2020 | $75,340 | Actual |
| 2021 | $77,570 | Actual |
| 2022 | $80,070 | Actual |
| 2023 | $83,840 | Actual |
| 2024 | $87,160 | Actual |
| 2025 | $95,820 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $98,752 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $101,774 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lexington metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 22.9% from $77,950 (2019) to $95,820 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $101,774 by 2027 — a total increase of $23,824 (30.56%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lexington 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) | $69,421 – $80,820 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $80,820 – $98,752 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $98,752 – $106,214 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $106,214 – $120,642 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Lexington
The local cost of living index in Lexington stands at 92.889, which is below the national average, meaning that take-home pay for occupational therapists can stretch further than in many other U.S. cities. Among local employers, those in hospital inpatient rehabilitation units often offer the most significant salaries, while outpatient hand therapy clinics and early intervention programs provide competitive pay as well. The compensation variance is influenced by various factors, including setting, board certification stipends for specialties like Certified Hand Therapist (CHT), and productivity expectations. For those looking to maximize their earnings in Lexington, it’s advisable to pursue board certifications, particularly as ACOTE prepares for an entry-level OTD requirement by 2027. Additionally, considering hospital-based positions over school contracts or SNFs can significantly influence overall occupational therapist pay in Lexington, KY.
More salary data for Lexington, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Lexington, KY in 2026?
Is Lexington, KY a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Lexington?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Lexington?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Lexington?
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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 $95,820 for occupational therapistsin the Lexington 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