For those drawn to a career that blends compassion with clinical expertise, pediatric occupational therapy is a uniquely rewarding path. It offers the profound satisfaction of helping children achieve their full potential. But beyond the intrinsic rewards, it's also a financially stable and growing profession. If you're considering this career, a key question on your mind is likely: "What is a typical pediatric occupational therapy salary?"
This guide will provide a data-driven look at your earning potential, breaking down the national averages and exploring the key factors that can significantly impact your income. On average, you can expect to earn a salary ranging from $75,000 to over $115,000 per year, with significant room for growth. Let's dive into the details.
What Does a Pediatric Occupational Therapist Do?
Before we talk numbers, it's important to understand the value of the role. A pediatric occupational therapist (OT) is a healthcare professional who helps children of all ages participate in the "occupations" of childhood. This doesn't mean jobs; it means the meaningful activities that occupy a child's day.
Their work involves:
- Developing fine and gross motor skills for tasks like writing, buttoning a shirt, or playing sports.
- Assisting with sensory processing disorders, helping children better manage their responses to stimuli like sound, touch, and light.
- Improving visual-motor and perceptual skills needed for reading and schoolwork.
- Teaching self-care and daily living skills, such as feeding, dressing, and hygiene.
- Adapting environments and recommending assistive technology to promote independence at home and school.
By using evidence-based interventions, often through creative and play-based activities, pediatric OTs empower children to overcome developmental, cognitive, and physical challenges.
Average Pediatric Occupational Therapy Salary
While the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) provides data for all occupational therapists, we can look to other authoritative sources for pediatric-specific figures. The salaries are competitive and reflect the advanced education required for the role.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the median annual wage for all occupational therapists was $93,180 in May 2022. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $65,580, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $123,870.
More specifically for the pediatric specialty:
- Salary.com places the average pediatric occupational therapist salary in the United States at $92,107 as of early 2024, with a typical range falling between $84,248 and $100,037.
- Payscale.com reports a similar average base salary of $75,251, with a total pay range (including bonuses) extending from $58,000 to $99,000.
These figures show a strong starting point, but your individual salary will be influenced by several critical factors.
Key Factors That Influence Salary
Your earning potential isn't a single number; it's a spectrum. Understanding what drives salary higher will empower you to maximize your income throughout your career.
### Level of Education
To practice as an OT, you must obtain a graduate degree from an accredited program. The two primary options are a Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) or a Doctorate of Occupational Therapy (OTD). While both degrees, coupled with passing the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam and obtaining state licensure, qualify you for practice, the OTD can sometimes provide a slight salary edge. An OTD includes advanced training in research, advocacy, and leadership, which may qualify you for higher-paying academic, administrative, or specialized clinical roles. However, for many entry-level clinical positions, the salary difference may be minimal.
### Years of Experience
Experience is one of the most significant factors in salary growth. As you build your clinical skills, gain expertise, and demonstrate a track record of positive patient outcomes, your value to an employer increases.
- Entry-Level (0-2 years): New graduates can expect to earn on the lower end of the national range, typically from $70,000 to $85,000, depending on the location and work setting.
- Mid-Career (5-9 years): With solid experience, OTs can command salaries closer to the national average and above, often in the $85,000 to $100,000 range.
- Senior/Experienced (10+ years): Therapists with a decade or more of experience, especially those who have moved into supervisory roles, program management, or private practice, can earn well over $100,000 to $120,000+.
### Geographic Location
Where you work matters—a lot. Salaries vary dramatically between states and even between metropolitan and rural areas to account for demand and cost of living.
According to the BLS, the top-paying states for occupational therapists (across all specialties) are:
1. California: ($112,830 average)
2. Nevada: ($105,480 average)
3. New Jersey: ($103,960 average)
4. New York: ($103,480 average)
5. Virginia: ($101,690 average)
It is crucial to balance a higher salary with the cost of living in these areas. A $100,000 salary in San Francisco, CA, will not go as far as an $85,000 salary in a smaller midwestern city.
### Company Type
The setting where you provide therapy has a major impact on pay.
- Outpatient Clinics: These are a very common setting for pediatric OTs and tend to offer competitive, market-rate salaries.
- Hospitals (Pediatric Wings/NICU): Hospitals often pay some of the highest wages due to the complexity of cases and the acute level of care required.
- School Systems: While incredibly rewarding, positions within public school districts often pay less than clinical settings. Salaries are typically based on a set teacher-like pay scale and are paid over a 10-month period, though this can sometimes be stretched over 12 months.
- Early Intervention (Home Health): Providing therapy in a child's natural environment can be lucrative, especially for those working as independent contractors who can set their own rates. These roles often offer higher per-visit rates but may not include benefits like health insurance or paid time off.
- Private Practice: Owning your own practice presents the highest earning potential but also comes with the greatest risk and responsibility for overhead costs, billing, and marketing.
### Area of Specialization
Within pediatrics, further specialization can boost your expertise and your paycheck. Obtaining advanced certifications demonstrates a higher level of competency and can make you a more attractive candidate for specialized, higher-paying roles.
Valuable certifications from the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) include:
- Board Certification in Pediatrics (BCP): This is a formal recognition of advanced knowledge and skills in the field.
- Specialty Certification in Driving and Community Mobility (SCDCM) or School Systems (SCSS).
Expertise in high-demand niches like sensory integration, feeding and swallowing therapy, or working with children on the autism spectrum can also lead to higher-paying opportunities.
Job Outlook
The future for pediatric occupational therapists is exceptionally bright. The BLS projects that employment for occupational therapists will grow by 12% from 2022 to 2032, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.
This robust growth is driven by several factors:
- Increased awareness and diagnosis of developmental disorders like autism spectrum disorder.
- Federal legislation mandating access to therapy for children with disabilities in educational settings.
- A growing emphasis on early intervention to improve long-term outcomes for children.
This high demand ensures strong job security and continued salary competitiveness for years to come.
Conclusion: A Career That Pays in More Ways Than One
Choosing a career as a pediatric occupational therapist is a decision to invest in the future—both for the children you will help and for yourself. The profession offers a clear path to a strong, stable income that grows with your experience and expertise.
Key Takeaways:
- Strong Earning Potential: Expect a competitive salary, with national averages hovering around $90,000.
- Growth is Certain: Your salary is not static. It will increase significantly with experience, specialization, and strategic career moves.
- You Have Control: Factors like your geographic location, work setting, and pursuit of advanced certifications are all levers you can pull to maximize your income.
- An In-Demand Profession: With a job outlook growing much faster than average, you can be confident in your long-term career security.
For those looking for a profession that offers a powerful combination of personal fulfillment and financial stability, pediatric occupational therapy is an outstanding choice.