Occupational Therapist Salary in Matthews, NC: $88,041 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Matthews, NC earns a median $88,041/year (≈ $42.33/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Matthews's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.6), that paycheck buys what $94,061 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.1% below the North Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapists in Matthews, North Carolina, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $88,041 in 2026, significantly below the national average of $103,400. The salary spans a range from $63,954 at the lower percentile to $109,315 at the upper end, reflecting local market dynamics that are influenced by factors like Medicare cuts affecting skilled nursing facilities and outpatient care compensation post-2022. These estimates are derived from BLS state-level data, coupled with adjustments based on regional price parities, highlighting the relatively modest compensation environment for occupational therapy professionals in Matthews amid these changing economic factors.
About the Matthews Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,954 | $30.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $72,455 | $34.83 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $88,041 | $42.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $99,388 | $47.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $109,315 | $52.55 |
Median Salary Position
14.85% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Matthews
In Matthews, NC, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $45,361 (2026 est.). At $88,041, the local median is 14.85% below the national median of $103,400.
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At 40 hours/week in Matthews: You'd be above the median
How Matthews Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Matthews median: $88,041/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Matthews Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $89,020 | -1.10% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | -14.85% less |
Occupational Therapists in Matthews, NC earn a median of $88,041 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.85% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 1.10% below the North Carolina state average of $89,020.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Matthews has a cost of living 6.40% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Matthews, NC has a cost-of-living index of 93.6 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $88,041 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $94,061 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.84% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$72,332
2025 BLS Actual
$85,427
2026 Current Est.
$88,041
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Matthews (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $72,332 | Actual |
| 2020 | $73,464 | Actual |
| 2021 | $72,859 | Actual |
| 2022 | $79,339 | Actual |
| 2023 | $82,055 | Actual |
| 2024 | $85,122 | Actual |
| 2025 | $85,427 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $88,041 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $90,735 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Matthews metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $72,332 (2019) to $85,427 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $90,735 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,403 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Matthews 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) | $63,954 – $72,455 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $72,455 – $88,041 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $88,041 – $99,388 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $99,388 – $109,315 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Matthews
Analyzing the occupational therapist pay landscape in Matthews NC reveals a competitive but constrained job market, with only eight individuals currently employed in the field. The area boasts a cost of living index of 93.6, which presents both challenges and opportunities for professionals in terms of disposable income. Employers that tend to offer higher salaries include acute care hospitals and specialized outpatient clinics, with compensation often boosted by board certifications like the CHT. Factors contributing to the salary variance include job setting, productivity expectations, and the effects of Medicare cutbacks, particularly within SNFs and outpatient services. To maximize earning potential in Matthews, therapists should consider pursuing additional certifications, seeking employment in high-paying sectors, and remaining adaptable to the demands of school-year versus year-round contracts.
More salary data for Matthews, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Matthews, NC in 2026?
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Can occupational therapists make $100K in Matthews?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Matthews?
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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 $85,427 for occupational therapistsin the Matthews 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
Salary data for Matthews is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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