Occupational Therapist salary in Columbus, OH
Occupational Therapists in the Columbus, OH metro area earn a median of $98,920 a year ($47.56 an hour), based on BLS data for 1,370 workers.
Pay ranges from $65,060 for the lowest-paid 10% to $119,710 for the top 10%. That is 1% lower than the national median of $100,330. Pay here is about the same as the Ohio statewide median of $99,390. There are 1.2 occupational therapists per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $96,290, close to the median.
Pay range for occupational therapists in Columbus, OH
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $65,060 | $31.28 |
| 25th percentile | $82,090 | $39.47 |
| Median | $98,920 | $47.56 |
| 75th percentile | $106,970 | $51.43 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $119,710 | $57.55 |
| Average (mean) | $96,290 | $46.29 |
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 | $8,243.33 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $4,121.67 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $3,804.62 |
| Weekly | $1,902.31 |
| Hourly | $47.56 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Dayton-Kettering-Beavercreek, OH | $103,840 | 530 |
| Cleveland, OH | $103,060 | 1,200 |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | $100,870 | 1,360 |
| Wheeling, WV-OH | $100,680 | 70 |
| Toledo, OH | $100,340 | 380 |
| Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH | $98,930 | 140 |
| Akron, OH | $98,520 | 430 |
| Canton-Massillon, OH | $98,040 | 290 |
| Springfield, OH | $94,330 | 40 |
| Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH | $92,580 | 60 |
| Youngstown-Warren, OH | $92,200 | 240 |
| Sandusky, OH | $90,710 | 40 |
| Lima, OH | $84,890 | 80 |
| Mansfield, OH | $78,420 | 40 |
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 Ohio statewide figures.
Related jobs in Columbus, OH
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $83,900 | $40.34 |
| Physicians, All Other | $214,760 | $103.25 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $124,580 | $59.89 |
| Pharmacist | $133,960 | $64.40 |
| Physical Therapist | $105,130 | $50.54 |
| Dental Hygienist | $96,880 | $46.58 |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $96,460 | $46.38 |
| Respiratory Therapist | $81,860 | $39.36 |
| Physician Assistant | $137,550 | $66.13 |
| Veterinarian | $123,270 | $59.26 |
| Dentists, General | $166,180 | $79.89 |
| Dietitians and Nutritionists | $71,200 | $34.23 |
| Obstetricians and Gynecologists | $179,810 | $86.45 |
| Nurse Anesthetist | $231,810 | $111.45 |
More: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations · all salaries in Columbus, OH
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 Columbus, OH?
The median salary for occupational therapists in the Columbus, OH metro area is $98,920 a year, or $47.56 an hour. Pay ranges from $65,060 for the lowest-paid 10% to $119,710 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid occupational therapists make in Columbus, OH?
The top 10% of occupational therapists in the Columbus, OH metro area earn at least $119,710 a year. The top 25% earn $106,970 or more.
What is the starting pay for occupational therapists in Columbus, OH?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $65,060 a year, and a quarter of occupational therapists earn $82,090 or less.
How many occupational therapists work in Columbus, OH?
About 1,370 occupational therapists are employed in the Columbus, OH metro area, not counting the self-employed.