Occupational Therapist Salary in Central Falls, RI: $95,881 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Central Falls, RI earns a median $95,881/year (≈ $46.10/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Central Falls's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.5), that paycheck buys what $95,404 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.7% below the Rhode Island state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapist salaries in Central Falls, Rhode Island are projected to be competitive, with a median annual compensation of $95,881 in 2026. The salary range for occupational therapists varies significantly, from $74,327 at the 10th percentile to $117,617 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the diverse opportunities in settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and educational institutions. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional economic factors. Central Falls presents an interesting job market for OTs, particularly considering the balance between year-round rehabilitation services and school-year contracts offered in educational environments.
About the Central Falls Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,327 | $35.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $81,637 | $39.25 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $95,881 | $46.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $107,943 | $51.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $117,617 | $56.55 |
Median Salary Position
7.27% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Central Falls
In Central Falls, RI, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $43,290 (2026 est.). At $95,881, the local median is 7.27% below the national median of $103,400.
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At 40 hours/week in Central Falls: You'd be above the median
How Central Falls Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Central Falls median: $95,881/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Central Falls Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island Average | $103,880 | -7.70% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | -7.27% less |
Occupational Therapists in Central Falls, RI earn a median of $95,881 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.27% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 7.70% below the Rhode Island state average of $103,880.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Central Falls has a cost of living 0.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Central Falls, RI has a cost-of-living index of 100.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $95,881 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $95,404 — a 0.5% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$78,772
2025 BLS Actual
$93,034
2026 Current Est.
$95,881
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Central Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $78,772 | Actual |
| 2020 | $80,006 | Actual |
| 2021 | $79,347 | Actual |
| 2022 | $86,404 | Actual |
| 2023 | $89,362 | Actual |
| 2024 | $85,310 | Actual |
| 2025 | $93,034 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $95,881 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $98,815 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Central Falls metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $78,772 (2019) to $93,034 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $98,815 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,043 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Central Falls 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) | $74,327 – $81,637 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $81,637 – $95,881 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $95,881 – $107,943 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $107,943 – $117,617 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Central Falls
The local job market in Central Falls comprises just six occupational therapists, which indicates a tight-knit community with limited opportunities. The cost of living index for the area is slightly above the national average at 100.5, meaning that despite higher wages, the purchasing power may be somewhat constrained. Employers in skilled nursing facilities generally offer more competitive pay compared to those in school settings, reflecting the complexity of care provided and the higher demand for services in healthcare environments. The variability in salaries can also be influenced by factors such as additional certifications, including the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential, and production expectations in different roles. For occupational therapists seeking to maximize their pay in Central Falls, pursuing specialized certifications, negotiating annual salary contracts, and considering roles outside of educational settings could yield better financial outcomes.
More salary data for Central Falls, RI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Central Falls, RI in 2026?
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Can occupational therapists make $100K in Central Falls?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Central Falls?
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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 $93,034 for occupational therapistsin the Central Falls 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 Central Falls 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