Occupational Therapist Salary in Grand Rapids, MI: $97,340 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Grand Rapids, MI earns a median $97,340/year (≈ $46.80/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Grand Rapids's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 95.5), that paycheck buys what $101,878 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 10.4% above the Michigan state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the expected median salary for occupational therapists in Grand Rapids, MI, is projected to reach $97,340, which is approximately 5.86% lower than the national median of $103,400. The salary landscape for this profession in Grand Rapids showcases a wide range, with a lower threshold of $77,161 at the 10th percentile and a high-end figure of $106,564 at the 90th percentile. These figures are derived from analyses based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, which highlights the ongoing demand for occupational therapists in various settings, such as hospitals, school districts, and skilled nursing facilities. Each setting offers unique pay structures, which can influence the decision-making of aspiring occupational therapists when choosing their career path in the area.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,161 | $37.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $82,025 | $39.44 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $97,340 | $46.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $106,564 | $51.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $106,564 | $51.23 |
Median Salary Position
5.86% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Grand Rapids
In Grand Rapids, MI, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $29,403 (2026 est.). At $97,340, the local median is 5.86% below the national median of $103,400.
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How Grand Rapids Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Grand Rapids median: $97,340/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Grand Rapids Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Average | $88,170 | +10.40% more |
| National Average | $103,400 | -5.86% less |
Occupational Therapists in Grand Rapids, MI earn a median of $97,340 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.86% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 10.40% above the Michigan state average of $88,170.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Grand Rapids has a cost of living 4.45% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Grand Rapids, MI has a cost-of-living index of 95.546 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $97,340 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $101,878 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.66% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$70,620
2025 BLS Actual
$94,450
2026 Current Est.
$97,340
2019–2027 Growth
+42.1%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Grand Rapids (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $70,620 | Actual |
| 2020 | $69,850 | Actual |
| 2021 | $75,460 | Actual |
| 2022 | $80,300 | Actual |
| 2023 | $85,120 | Actual |
| 2024 | $87,150 | Actual |
| 2025 | $94,450 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $97,340 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $100,319 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Grand Rapids metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 33.7% from $70,620 (2019) to $94,450 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $100,319 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,699 (42.05%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Grand Rapids 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) | $77,161 – $82,025 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $82,025 – $97,340 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $97,340 – $106,564 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $106,564 – $106,564 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Grand Rapids
Occupational therapy in Grand Rapids benefits from a robust local job market, with around 990 practitioners currently employed. The cost of living index sits below the national average at 95.546, which can enhance the purchasing power of occupational therapists in the region. Employers who typically offer the highest occupational therapist pay in Grand Rapids include hospital inpatient rehabilitation facilities and outpatient hand therapy clinics, often rewarding specialized certifications such as the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) with additional stipends. The variability in compensation tends to stem from factors like the work setting—where hospitals generally provide higher salaries than schools or skilled nursing facilities—as well as productivity expectations and the structure of employment contracts. To maximize pay potential in this market, occupational therapists should consider obtaining board certifications, focusing on high-demand specialties, and potentially seeking year-round contracts that may provide more stability and financial benefit.
More salary data for Grand Rapids, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Grand Rapids, MI in 2026?
Is Grand Rapids, MI a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Grand Rapids?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Grand Rapids?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Grand Rapids?
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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 $94,450 for occupational therapistsin the Grand Rapids 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