A career as a pediatric occupational therapist (OT) is one of the most rewarding paths in healthcare, offering the profound satisfaction of helping children achieve their full potential. But beyond the immense personal fulfillment, it is also a financially stable and growing profession. If you're considering this career, you're likely wondering: what salary can you expect?
The simple answer is that pediatric occupational therapists are well-compensated for their specialized skills. While salaries vary, the national median for all occupational therapists is over $93,000 annually, with experienced pediatric specialists in high-demand areas earning well into six figures.
This article provides a data-driven look at pediatric OT salaries, exploring the key factors that influence your earning potential and the bright future of this incredible profession.
What Does a Pediatric Occupational Therapist Do?
Before we dive into the numbers, it's essential to understand the vital role these professionals play. A pediatric occupational therapist helps children develop the skills they need to perform the meaningful, everyday activities—or "occupations"—of childhood. This can include anything from playing with toys and socializing with friends to learning in school and performing self-care tasks like dressing and eating.
They work with children facing a variety of challenges, including:
- Developmental delays
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Sensory processing disorders
- Fine motor and gross motor difficulties
- Learning disabilities
- Physical disabilities and injuries
By creating fun, goal-oriented activities, pediatric OTs empower children to build confidence, independence, and the foundational skills for a successful life.
Average Pediatric Occupational Therapist Salary
To establish a benchmark, we first look at the data for all occupational therapists. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook, the median annual wage for occupational therapists was $93,180 as of May 2022. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $65,460, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $123,870.
While the BLS doesn't isolate pediatric data, salary aggregators provide a more focused view:
- Salary.com reports that the median annual salary for a Pediatric Occupational Therapist in the United States is approximately $94,515 as of early 2024, with a typical range falling between $86,432 and $103,132.
- Glassdoor lists the average salary for a pediatric OT at around $88,500 per year, based on user-submitted data.
- Payscale shows an average base salary of around $75,000, highlighting the wide variance based on factors like experience and location.
Based on this comprehensive data, a prospective or current pediatric occupational therapist can realistically expect a salary ranging from $70,000 for entry-level positions to over $110,000 for experienced therapists in high-paying settings and locations.
Key Factors That Influence Salary
Your exact salary is not a single number but a range determined by several key variables. Understanding these factors will empower you to maximize your earning potential throughout your career.
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Level of Education
To become an occupational therapist, you must earn either a Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) or a Doctorate of Occupational Therapy (OTD) from an accredited program. While both degrees qualify you to sit for the national board exam and obtain state licensure, the choice can impact your career trajectory.
Currently, an OTD does not automatically guarantee a higher starting salary for clinical roles compared to an MOT. However, the doctorate provides advanced training in leadership, research, advocacy, and program development. This advanced degree can open doors to higher-paying roles in academia, clinical research, administration, and specialized leadership positions later in your career.
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Years of Experience
Experience is one of the most significant drivers of salary growth. As you build your clinical skills, develop specializations, and demonstrate positive patient outcomes, your value to employers increases.
- Entry-Level (0-3 Years): New graduates can expect to start in the $70,000 to $80,000 range, depending on the work setting and location.
- Mid-Career (4-9 Years): With several years of experience, OTs can see their salaries climb into the $85,000 to $98,000 range as they take on more complex cases or mentoring roles.
- Senior-Level (10+ Years): Highly experienced therapists, especially those with specializations or in supervisory roles, can regularly command salaries of $100,000 or more.
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Geographic Location
Where you choose to work has a major impact on your salary. States with a high cost of living and high demand for healthcare services typically offer the highest wages. According to BLS data, the top-paying states for occupational therapists are:
1. California: Annual mean wage of $113,130
2. Nevada: Annual mean wage of $105,790
3. New Jersey: Annual mean wage of $103,460
4. New York: Annual mean wage of $102,830
5. Colorado: Annual mean wage of $102,340
It is crucial to balance a high salary with the local cost of living. A $95,000 salary in a low-cost area may provide more disposable income than a $110,000 salary in an expensive metropolitan center.
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Company Type / Work Setting
Pediatric OTs work in diverse environments, and the setting significantly influences pay structure and benefits.
- Hospitals (Pediatric & NICU): Often among the highest-paying settings due to the complexity of cases and acuity of care.
- Private Practice Clinics: Offer competitive salaries and can have high earning potential, especially for those who eventually open their own practice.
- Early Intervention (EI) & Home Health: This setting provides services to children in their natural environments (home, daycare). Pay can be very high, often on a per-visit basis, but may not include the same benefits as a salaried position.
- School Systems: While base salaries may be slightly lower than in clinical settings, school-based OTs often receive excellent benefits, including state retirement plans (pensions), generous paid time off that aligns with the school calendar (e.g., summers off), and a consistent work schedule.
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Area of Specialization
Developing expertise in a high-demand niche can make you a more valuable asset and boost your salary. Obtaining advanced certifications demonstrates a commitment to a specific area of practice. In-demand pediatric specializations include:
- Sensory Integration (SI): Certification in the Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests (SIPT) is highly sought after.
- Feeding, Eating, and Swallowing: Therapists specializing in feeding disorders are in high demand.
- Assistive Technology Professional (ATP): Specializing in adaptive equipment and technology for children with disabilities.
- DIR/Floortime: A developmental, relationship-based approach often used with children on the autism spectrum.
Job Outlook
The future for occupational therapists is exceptionally bright. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment for occupational therapists will grow by 12 percent from 2022 to 2032, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.
This robust growth is driven by several factors, including an increased public awareness of developmental disorders like autism, federal legislation mandating that schools provide services to children with disabilities, and the growing need for rehabilitative services across the entire healthcare spectrum. This high demand translates directly into job security and strong salary potential for years to come.
Conclusion
A career as a pediatric occupational therapist offers a rare and powerful combination of financial stability and profound personal impact. With a strong median salary and a projected job growth that far outpaces the national average, it is a secure and promising profession.
Your earning potential is not static; it is directly influenced by the choices you make. By pursuing advanced education and certifications, gaining valuable experience, and strategically choosing your location and work setting, you can build a career that is not only emotionally fulfilling but also financially rewarding. For those with a passion for helping children thrive, there has never been a better time to enter the field of pediatric occupational therapy.