Occupational Therapist salary in Bismarck, ND
Occupational Therapists in the Bismarck, ND metro area earn a median of $83,080 a year ($39.94 an hour), based on BLS data for 130 workers.
Pay ranges from $71,160 for the lowest-paid 10% to $115,830 for the top 10%. That is 17% lower than the national median of $100,330. Pay here is about the same as the North Dakota statewide median of $83,200. There are 1.8 occupational therapists per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 1.8× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $86,570, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for occupational therapists in Bismarck, ND
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $71,160 | $34.21 |
| 25th percentile | $75,350 | $36.23 |
| Median | $83,080 | $39.94 |
| 75th percentile | $98,100 | $47.17 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $115,830 | $55.69 |
| Average (mean) | $86,570 | $41.62 |
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 | $6,923.33 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,461.67 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $3,195.38 |
| Weekly | $1,597.69 |
| Hourly | $39.94 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Minot, ND | $89,670 | 30 |
| Fargo, ND-MN | $81,870 | 210 |
| Grand Forks, ND-MN | $80,830 | 60 |
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 North Dakota statewide figures.
Related jobs in Bismarck, ND
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $81,120 | $39.00 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $130,140 | $62.57 |
| Physical Therapist | $83,280 | $40.04 |
| Pharmacist | $143,380 | $68.93 |
| Dental Hygienist | $91,600 | $44.04 |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $76,770 | $36.91 |
| Physicians, All Other | $454,550 | $218.53 |
| Chiropractor | $77,990 | $37.49 |
| Physician Assistant | $129,650 | $62.33 |
| Dietitians and Nutritionists | $75,850 | $36.47 |
| Family Medicine Physician | $286,840 | $137.90 |
| General Internal Medicine Physician | $351,580 | $169.03 |
| Respiratory Therapist | $84,570 | $40.66 |
| Veterinarian | $104,000 | $50.00 |
More: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations · all salaries in Bismarck, ND
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 Bismarck, ND?
The median salary for occupational therapists in the Bismarck, ND metro area is $83,080 a year, or $39.94 an hour. Pay ranges from $71,160 for the lowest-paid 10% to $115,830 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid occupational therapists make in Bismarck, ND?
The top 10% of occupational therapists in the Bismarck, ND metro area earn at least $115,830 a year. The top 25% earn $98,100 or more.
What is the starting pay for occupational therapists in Bismarck, ND?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $71,160 a year, and a quarter of occupational therapists earn $75,350 or less.
How many occupational therapists work in Bismarck, ND?
About 130 occupational therapists are employed in the Bismarck, ND metro area, not counting the self-employed.