Occupational Therapist Salary in Lansing, MI: $89,240 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Lansing, MI earns a median $89,240/year (≈ $42.90/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Lansing's price level (5% below national, BEA RPP 95.0), that paycheck buys what $93,946 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.2% above the Michigan state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, occupational therapists in Lansing, MI, will see a median annual salary of $89,240, which aligns with the growing demand for skilled practitioners in this field. The salary range spans from $79,583 at the 10th percentile to $102,359 at the 90th percentile, offering significant opportunities for career advancement and specialization. These figures are derived from projections based on 2025 BLS OEWS data and reflect the competitive landscape in which occupational therapists operate. As many strive for the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) designation, the salary implications can be quite substantial, where specialties like hand therapy often yield higher pay. This growing focus on specialization positions Lansing as an attractive location for occupational therapy professionals aiming to enhance their credentials and earnings.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,583 | $38.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $82,098 | $39.47 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $89,240 | $42.90 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $100,669 | $48.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $102,359 | $49.21 |
Median Salary Position
13.69% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lansing
In Lansing, MI, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $22,776 (2026 est.). At $89,240, the local median is 13.69% below the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lansing: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lansing Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Lansing median: $89,240/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lansing Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Average | $88,181 | +1.20% more |
| National Average | $103,400 | -13.69% less |
Occupational Therapists in Lansing, MI earn a median of $89,240 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.69% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 1.20% above the Michigan state average of $88,181.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lansing has a cost of living 5.01% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lansing, MI has a cost-of-living index of 94.991 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $89,240 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $93,946 in an average-cost city — an effective 5.27% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$77,950
2025 BLS Actual
$86,590
2026 Current Est.
$89,240
2019–2027 Growth
+18.0%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Lansing (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 | $79,730 | Actual |
| 2021 | $77,980 | Actual |
| 2022 | $83,380 | Actual |
| 2023 | $85,470 | Actual |
| 2024 | $88,900 | Actual |
| 2025 | $86,590 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $89,240 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $91,970 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lansing metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 11.1% from $77,950 (2019) to $86,590 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $91,970 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,020 (17.99%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lansing 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) | $79,583 – $82,098 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $82,098 – $89,240 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $89,240 – $100,669 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $100,669 – $102,359 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Lansing
The job market for occupational therapists in Lansing currently employs around 150 practitioners, providing a solid foundation for career opportunities. The cost of living index in this area stands at 94.991, indicating that living expenses are below the national average and potentially enhancing overall purchasing power for professionals in the sector. Employers such as skilled nursing facilities and outpatient hand therapy clinics are among the highest-paying for these roles, driven by the clinical settings’ complexity and the demand for specialized care. Variations in pay often reflect factors like productivity expectations, employer type, and certification bonuses. To optimize earnings, professionals should consider pursuing specialty certifications, actively seek out positions in higher-paying settings, and explore opportunities in year-round versus school-year contracts. Adapting to market needs and establishing a robust professional network can also further increase earning potential in the competitive occupational therapist pay landscape in Lansing, MI.
More salary data for Lansing, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Lansing, MI in 2026?
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Can occupational therapists make $100K in Lansing?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Lansing?
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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 $86,590 for occupational therapistsin the Lansing 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