Combining a passion for helping children with a stable, in-demand medical profession is a powerful career goal. For many, that path leads to pediatric occupational therapy—a field that is as emotionally rewarding as it is financially sound. If you're considering this dynamic career, one of your primary questions is likely about compensation.
So, what can you expect to earn? A pediatric occupational therapist (OT) salary is competitive, with most professionals earning a salary that can comfortably approach or exceed six figures, depending on several key factors.
This in-depth guide will break down the salary you can anticipate, the factors that influence your earnings, and the bright future of this growing profession.
What Does a Pediatric OT Do?
Before diving into the numbers, it’s essential to understand the value and scope of this role. Pediatric occupational therapists are highly skilled healthcare professionals who help children from infancy through adolescence participate in the "occupations" of life. For a child, this includes everything from playing and learning to dressing and eating.
Their daily responsibilities are diverse and impactful:
- Evaluating a child's developmental skills, including fine motor, sensory processing, visual-motor, and self-care abilities.
- Creating and implementing individualized, play-based therapy plans to help children achieve their goals.
- Assisting children with developmental delays, sensory processing disorder, autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, and other physical or cognitive challenges.
- Collaborating with parents, teachers, and other healthcare providers to ensure a holistic approach to a child's development.
- Adapting environments and recommending assistive technology to promote independence.
It's a hands-on, creative, and science-backed profession focused on helping children build skills, confidence, and independence.
Average Pediatric OT Salary
While the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) groups all occupational therapists together, their data provides an excellent benchmark. The median annual salary for all occupational therapists was $96,370 as of May 2023. This means half of all OTs earned more than this amount, and half earned less.
Data from reputable salary aggregators that focus specifically on pediatric roles paint a similar, detailed picture:
- Salary.com reports that the average Pediatric Occupational Therapist salary in the United States is $96,654, with a typical range falling between $88,574 and $104,896.
- Payscale notes an average salary of approximately $76,500, but this figure heavily weighs entry-level and early-career data. Their platform highlights a significant salary increase with experience, with seasoned OTs earning closer to the $90,000 mark.
- Glassdoor lists a total pay average of $98,922 per year for Pediatric OTs, which includes base salary and additional pay like bonuses.
Taking a consolidated view, a realistic salary range for a pediatric OT in the U.S. spans from $75,000 for new graduates in lower-cost areas to over $120,000 for experienced therapists in high-demand settings and locations.
Key Factors That Influence Salary
Your specific salary isn't a single number—it's a reflection of your unique qualifications, choices, and environment. Here are the most significant factors that will shape your earning potential.
Level of Education
To become an occupational therapist in the U.S., you must earn a graduate degree—either a Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) or a Doctorate of Occupational Therapy (OTD)—from an accredited program and pass the national board exam.
While both degrees qualify you for licensure, the OTD is a more advanced, practice-based doctorate. Does it lead to a higher salary? Initially, the difference in starting salary between a new graduate with an MOT and an OTD is often minimal. However, an OTD can provide a long-term advantage by positioning you for roles in leadership, administration, clinical research, or academia, which typically command higher salaries.
Years of Experience
Experience is one of the most reliable drivers of salary growth in this field. As you build your clinical skills, gain expertise, and demonstrate successful patient outcomes, your value to employers increases significantly.
Here's a typical progression you might expect, based on aggregated industry data:
- Entry-Level (0-2 years): New graduates can expect to earn on the lower end of the national range, typically starting between $70,000 and $85,000.
- Early Career (2-5 years): With a few years of experience, OTs often see a notable jump in salary, moving into the $85,000 to $95,000 range as they become more autonomous and efficient.
- Mid-Career (6-10 years): Professionals at this stage have developed specialized skills and are often considered clinical experts. Salaries typically cross the $95,000 mark and can push into the low six figures.
- Experienced (10+ years): Senior OTs, especially those in supervisory roles, with advanced certifications, or in high-demand settings, can regularly earn $105,000 to $125,000+.
Geographic Location
Where you work matters—a lot. Salaries for pediatric OTs vary dramatically by state and even by metropolitan area to account for differences in cost of living and demand for services.
According to BLS data for all occupational therapists, the top-paying states include:
- California: Average annual salary of $115,530
- Nevada: Average annual salary of $110,130
- New York: Average annual salary of $106,750
- New Jersey: Average annual salary of $105,470
- Oregon: Average annual salary of $105,250
Conversely, states in the Midwest and South may offer lower average salaries but often have a significantly lower cost of living, meaning your take-home pay can go much further. Always research the salary benchmarks for the specific city or region where you plan to work.
Company Type
The setting where you provide therapy services has a direct impact on your compensation structure and benefits.
- Hospitals (Especially Children’s Hospitals): These institutions are often the highest-paying employers. They offer structured salary scales, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for advancement.
- Private Practice & Outpatient Clinics: Pay here is very competitive but can vary widely. Successful, well-established clinics may offer salaries that rival or exceed those of hospitals.
- School Systems: Working in a public or private school typically comes with a salary aligned with a teacher's pay scale. While the base salary may be lower than in a clinical setting, it often includes excellent state benefits, pension plans, and a highly desirable schedule with summers and holidays off.
- Early Intervention & Home Health: These roles often offer a pay-per-visit model, which can lead to very high earning potential if you manage a full caseload. However, hours can be less consistent, and benefits may not be as robust as in other settings.
Area of Specialization
Within the broad field of pediatrics, further specialization can make you a more valuable and sought-after therapist, justifying a higher salary. Pursuing advanced certifications demonstrates a commitment to excellence and a high level of expertise.
Valuable certifications that can boost your career and pay include:
- Board Certification in Pediatrics (BCP) from the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).
- Certified Autism Specialist (CAS)
- Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests (SIPT) Certification
- Specializations in feeding therapy, assistive technology, or neuro-developmental treatment (NDT).
Job Outlook
The future for occupational therapists is exceptionally bright. The BLS projects that employment for occupational therapists will grow by 11% from 2022 to 2032, a rate that is much faster than the average for all occupations.
This robust growth is driven by several factors relevant to pediatrics:
- Increased awareness and diagnosis of conditions like autism spectrum disorder and developmental delays.
- Federal legislation mandating that schools provide therapy services to students with disabilities.
- A growing recognition of the vital role OTs play in helping children achieve developmental milestones.
This high demand translates into strong job security and continued salary competitiveness for years to come.
Conclusion
A career as a pediatric occupational therapist offers a rare combination of purpose, engagement, and financial stability. While a national average salary hovers in the high-$90,000s, your personal earning potential is directly in your hands. By focusing on continuous learning, gaining valuable experience, seeking out specializations, and making strategic choices about your work location and setting, you can build a career that is not only fulfilling but also highly lucrative. For anyone looking to make a tangible difference in the lives of children, this career path offers a rewarding journey with excellent compensation.