Occupational Therapist Salary in Missoula, MT: $89,971 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Missoula, MT earns a median $89,971/year (≈ $43.25/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Missoula's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.4), that paycheck buys what $93,287 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 9.5% below the Montana state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Missoula, MT, the projected median annual salary for occupational therapists in 2026 is $89,971, reflecting a significant factor in choosing between different work settings. Those working in hospitals tend to earn more compared to their counterparts in schools and skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), with a salary range from $78,583 at the lower end (P10) to $106,100 at the high end (P90). This information is based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, highlighting how local salaries contrast with the national median of $103,400. For those considering a career in this field, it is vital to recognize that employment opportunities in Missoula may be influenced by the preference for year-round positions versus school-year contracts, which can have a substantial impact on annual earnings.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,583 | $37.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $79,604 | $38.28 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $89,971 | $43.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $104,843 | $50.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $106,100 | $51.00 |
Median Salary Position
12.99% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Missoula
In Missoula, MT, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $27,517 (2026 est.). At $89,971, the local median is 12.99% below the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Missoula: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Missoula Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Missoula median: $89,971/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Missoula Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Montana Average | $99,416 | -9.50% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | -12.99% less |
Occupational Therapists in Missoula, MT earn a median of $89,971 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.99% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 9.50% below the Montana state average of $99,416.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Missoula has a cost of living 3.56% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Missoula, MT has a cost-of-living index of 96.445 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $89,971 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $93,287 in an average-cost city — an effective 3.69% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$75,680
2025 BLS Actual
$87,300
2026 Current Est.
$89,971
2019–2027 Growth
+22.5%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Missoula (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $75,680 | Actual |
| 2020 | $77,550 | Actual |
| 2021 | $77,500 | Actual |
| 2022 | $78,550 | Actual |
| 2023 | $82,460 | Actual |
| 2024 | $83,970 | Actual |
| 2025 | $87,300 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $89,971 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $92,725 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Missoula metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 15.4% from $75,680 (2019) to $87,300 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $92,725 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,045 (22.52%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Missoula 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) | $78,583 – $79,604 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $79,604 – $89,971 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $89,971 – $104,843 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $104,843 – $106,100 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Missoula
The local job market for occupational therapists in Missoula is relatively robust, with 40 active professionals contributing to the healthcare landscape in the area. The cost of living index, sitting at 96.445, indicates that while salaries may not exceed national averages, they are adjusted favorably for local living expenses, enhancing take-home purchasing power. Employers in skilled nursing facilities and hospitals are among the highest payers, contrasted with the lower rates typically found in school districts and outpatient settings. Variance in pay often arises from factors such as productivity expectations, certifications like the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential, and the employment environment itself. To maximize earnings in Missoula, OTs might consider pursuing additional certifications and targeting positions that offer year-round contracts or those in higher-paying facilities where board certification stipends potentially increase compensation. Understanding these nuances can significantly enhance the occupational therapist pay in Missoula MT.
More salary data for Missoula, MT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Missoula, MT in 2026?
Is Missoula, MT a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Missoula?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Missoula?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Missoula?
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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 $87,300 for occupational therapistsin the Missoula 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