Occupational Therapist Salary in Bennington, VT: $102,550 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Bennington, VT earns a median $102,550/year (≈ $49.30/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Bennington's price level (4% above national, BEA RPP 103.5), that paycheck buys what $99,082 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.2% below the Vermont state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Bennington, Vermont, occupational therapists command a median annual salary of $102,550, a figure that reflects the local job market fueled by the demand for specialized services. Across the salary range, figures stretch from $77,374 at the 10th percentile to $126,970 at the 90th percentile. Estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, account for regional factors such as cost of living, which stands at an index of 103.5, indicating a slightly above-average expense for residents. This compensation is further enhanced for those obtaining the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) specialty credential, which can significantly elevate earning potential and job competitiveness in a growing field that requires advanced skill sets.
About the Bennington Market
Salary estimated from Vermont average ($86,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,374 | $37.19 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $85,772 | $41.23 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $102,550 | $49.30 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $116,176 | $55.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $126,970 | $61.04 |
Median Salary Position
0.82% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bennington
In Bennington, VT, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $49,596 (2026 est.). At $102,550, the local median is 0.82% below the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bennington: You'd be above the median
How Bennington Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Bennington median: $102,550/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bennington Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Vermont Average | $107,046 | -4.20% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | -0.82% less |
Occupational Therapists in Bennington, VT earn a median of $102,550 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.82% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 4.20% below the Vermont state average of $107,046.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bennington has a cost of living 3.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bennington, VT has a cost-of-living index of 103.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $102,550 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $99,082 — a 3.38% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$84,251
2025 BLS Actual
$99,505
2026 Current Est.
$102,550
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Bennington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $84,251 | Actual |
| 2020 | $85,571 | Actual |
| 2021 | $84,866 | Actual |
| 2022 | $92,414 | Actual |
| 2023 | $95,578 | Actual |
| 2024 | $85,293 | Actual |
| 2025 | $99,505 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $102,550 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $105,688 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bennington metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $84,251 (2019) to $99,505 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $105,688 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,437 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bennington 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) | $77,374 – $85,772 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $85,772 – $102,550 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $102,550 – $116,176 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $116,176 – $126,970 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Bennington
Examining the local job market, only six occupational therapists are currently employed in Bennington, highlighting a niche environment where demand may outpace supply in coming years. The cost of living index at 103.5 means take-home pay may be slightly pressured, affecting overall purchasing power. Among employers, skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehab programs tend to offer the highest salaries, while positions in school districts or early intervention programs generally provide lower compensation. Variations between pay rates can often be attributed to credentialing, productivity expectations, and the differing contract types, with year-round positions at outpatient clinics often paying more than school-year contracts. To maximize occupational therapist pay in Bennington VT, professionals should consider pursuing advanced certifications such as CHT, seeking roles in high-paying settings, and understanding market dynamics to negotiate contracts effectively.
More salary data for Bennington, VT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Bennington, VT in 2026?
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Can occupational therapists make $100K in Bennington?
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How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Bennington?
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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 $99,505 for occupational therapistsin the Bennington 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 Bennington 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