Occupational Therapist salary in Kentucky
Occupational Therapists in Kentucky earn a median of $97,650 a year ($46.95 an hour), based on BLS data for 2,190 workers.
Pay ranges from $71,030 for the lowest-paid 10% to $119,250 for the top 10%. That is 3% lower than the national median of $100,330. Kentucky ranks 31st of 51 states for occupational therapists pay. There are 1.1 occupational therapists per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $95,450, close to the median.
Pay range for occupational therapists in Kentucky
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $71,030 | $34.15 |
| 25th percentile | $80,120 | $38.52 |
| Median | $97,650 | $46.95 |
| 75th percentile | $105,220 | $50.59 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $119,250 | $57.33 |
| Average (mean) | $95,450 | $45.89 |
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 | $8,137.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $4,068.75 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $3,755.77 |
| Weekly | $1,877.88 |
| Hourly | $46.95 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Occupational Therapist salary in cities in Kentucky
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | $100,870 | 1,360 |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN | $100,040 | 710 |
| Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH | $98,930 | 140 |
| Clarksville, TN-KY | $97,470 | 90 |
| Lexington-Fayette, KY | $95,820 | 320 |
| Owensboro, KY | $95,740 | 60 |
| Elizabethtown, KY | $95,550 | 40 |
| Paducah, KY-IL | $94,250 | 50 |
| Bowling Green, KY | $84,250 | 140 |
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 |
Related jobs in Kentucky
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $81,040 | $38.96 |
| Pharmacist | $136,530 | $65.64 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $122,870 | $59.07 |
| Physical Therapist | $100,710 | $48.42 |
| Physicians, All Other | $327,390 | $157.40 |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $83,550 | $40.17 |
| Respiratory Therapist | $72,750 | $34.98 |
| Dental Hygienist | $78,830 | $37.90 |
| Nurse Anesthetist | $222,520 | $106.98 |
| Physician Assistant | $120,760 | $58.06 |
| Veterinarian | $104,100 | $50.05 |
| Family Medicine Physician | $248,730 | $119.58 |
| Anesthesiologist | $347,960 | $167.29 |
| General Internal Medicine Physician | $241,530 | $116.12 |
More: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations · all salaries in Kentucky
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 Kentucky?
The median salary for occupational therapists in Kentucky is $97,650 a year, or $46.95 an hour. Pay ranges from $71,030 for the lowest-paid 10% to $119,250 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid occupational therapists make in Kentucky?
The top 10% of occupational therapists in Kentucky earn at least $119,250 a year. The top 25% earn $105,220 or more.
What is the starting pay for occupational therapists in Kentucky?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $71,030 a year, and a quarter of occupational therapists earn $80,120 or less.
How many occupational therapists work in Kentucky?
About 2,190 occupational therapists are employed in Kentucky, not counting the self-employed.