Occupational Therapist Salary in Lincoln, NE: $99,267 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Lincoln, NE earns a median $99,267/year (≈ $47.73/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Lincoln's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.6), that paycheck buys what $108,393 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.9% above the Nebraska state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the salary for occupational therapists in Lincoln, Nebraska, is projected at a median of $99,267. This figure is slightly below the national median of $103,400, reflecting the local job market dynamics. The salary range for these professionals extends from $69,545 at the 10th percentile to $136,524 at the 90th percentile. These insights stem from the latest projections based on 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, revealing a range of opportunities depending on the specific work setting. Therapists choosing between positions in hospitals, schools, or skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) may find their earning potential impacted by this structural choice, as year-round employment typically offers higher pay than school-year contracts.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,545 | $33.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $80,284 | $38.60 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $99,267 | $47.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $108,337 | $52.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $136,524 | $65.64 |
Median Salary Position
4% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lincoln
In Lincoln, NE, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $66,979 (2026 est.). At $99,267, the local median is 4% below the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lincoln: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lincoln Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Lincoln median: $99,267/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lincoln Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Nebraska Average | $94,630 | +4.90% more |
| National Average | $103,400 | -4.00% less |
Occupational Therapists in Lincoln, NE earn a median of $99,267 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.00% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 4.90% above the Nebraska state average of $94,630.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lincoln has a cost of living 8.42% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lincoln, NE has a cost-of-living index of 91.581 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $99,267 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $108,393 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.19% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$79,830
2025 BLS Actual
$96,320
2026 Current Est.
$99,267
2019–2027 Growth
+28.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Lincoln (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $79,830 | Actual |
| 2020 | $81,170 | Actual |
| 2021 | $78,670 | Actual |
| 2022 | $84,050 | Actual |
| 2023 | $89,480 | Actual |
| 2024 | $91,560 | Actual |
| 2025 | $96,320 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $99,267 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $102,305 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lincoln metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 20.7% from $79,830 (2019) to $96,320 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $102,305 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,475 (28.15%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lincoln 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) | $69,545 – $80,284 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $80,284 – $99,267 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $99,267 – $108,337 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $108,337 – $136,524 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Lincoln
The occupational therapy job market in Lincoln is supported by approximately 250 professionals in the field, providing a stable employment base. With a cost-of-living index of 91.581, Lincoln's affordability enhances the purchasing power of these salaries compared to urban centers. Skilled nursing facilities and inpatient rehabilitation units often offer the highest compensation among local employers, while school contracts tend to provide lower wages due to budget constraints. The disparity in earnings can be attributed to factors such as certification stipends for specialized areas like hand therapy (CHT) and the varying productivity expectations across settings. To maximize earnings in Lincoln, occupational therapists should consider seeking positions requiring advanced certifications, pursuing roles beyond traditional settings, and engaging in continuous professional development that aligns with market trends and demands.
More salary data for Lincoln, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Lincoln, NE in 2026?
Is Lincoln, NE a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Lincoln?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Lincoln?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Lincoln?
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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 $96,320 for occupational therapistsin the Lincoln 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