Occupational Therapist salary in Birmingham, AL
Occupational Therapists in the Birmingham, AL metro area earn a median of $95,250 a year ($45.80 an hour), based on BLS data for 540 workers.
Pay ranges from $76,770 for the lowest-paid 10% to $127,050 for the top 10%. That is 5% lower than the national median of $100,330. Pay here is 1% higher than the Alabama statewide median of $94,050. There are 1.0 occupational therapists per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $97,770, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for occupational therapists in Birmingham, AL
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $76,770 | $36.91 |
| 25th percentile | $84,160 | $40.46 |
| Median | $95,250 | $45.80 |
| 75th percentile | $112,970 | $54.31 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $127,050 | $61.08 |
| Average (mean) | $97,770 | $47.01 |
Half of occupational therapists earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $7,937.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,968.75 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $3,663.46 |
| Weekly | $1,831.73 |
| Hourly | $45.80 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Occupational Therapist salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Tuscaloosa, AL | $100,760 | 60 |
| Auburn-Opelika, AL | $97,600 | 40 |
| Decatur, AL | $97,460 | 30 |
| Columbus, GA-AL | $94,580 | 160 |
| Montgomery, AL | $93,910 | 90 |
| Huntsville, AL | $93,620 | 130 |
| Mobile, AL | $90,630 | 110 |
| Dothan, AL | $89,380 | 60 |
| Gadsden, AL | $87,620 | 80 |
| Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL | $84,630 | 30 |
Highest-paying states for occupational therapists
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| California | $124,510 |
| Oregon | $112,310 |
| Nevada | $110,520 |
| District of Columbia | $109,170 |
| Washington | $107,670 |
| Maryland | $106,980 |
| Colorado | $106,720 |
| Arkansas | $106,360 |
| Texas | $106,140 |
| Oklahoma | $104,300 |
See Occupational Therapist pay in every state or the Alabama statewide figures.
Related jobs in Birmingham, AL
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $78,680 | $37.83 |
| Pharmacist | $138,800 | $66.73 |
| Physicians, All Other | $237,040 | $113.96 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $107,700 | $51.78 |
| Dental Hygienist | $61,730 | $29.68 |
| Physical Therapist | $97,750 | $47.00 |
| Respiratory Therapist | $67,480 | $32.44 |
| Nurse Anesthetist | $175,850 | $84.54 |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $75,750 | $36.42 |
| Veterinarian | $106,890 | $51.39 |
| Physician Assistant | $105,440 | $50.69 |
| Dietitians and Nutritionists | $65,220 | $31.35 |
| General Internal Medicine Physician | $334,100 | $160.63 |
| Family Medicine Physician | $119,990 | $57.69 |
More: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations · all salaries in Birmingham, AL
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 29-1122. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a occupational therapist make in Birmingham, AL?
The median salary for occupational therapists in the Birmingham, AL metro area is $95,250 a year, or $45.80 an hour. Pay ranges from $76,770 for the lowest-paid 10% to $127,050 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid occupational therapists make in Birmingham, AL?
The top 10% of occupational therapists in the Birmingham, AL metro area earn at least $127,050 a year. The top 25% earn $112,970 or more.
What is the starting pay for occupational therapists in Birmingham, AL?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $76,770 a year, and a quarter of occupational therapists earn $84,160 or less.
How many occupational therapists work in Birmingham, AL?
About 540 occupational therapists are employed in the Birmingham, AL metro area, not counting the self-employed.