Average Occupational Therapists Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Occupational Therapists in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area earn an average annual salary of $87,840. This figure is notably below the national average of $99,240, suggesting that local market dynamics and demand play a significant role in compensation within this region. Factors such as the specific healthcare needs of the population and the supply of qualified professionals likely influence this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $87,840 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 30.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $114,820.
- Outlook: The Durham-Chapel Hill area supports a local workforce of approximately 400 Occupational Therapists, with a jobs-per-1,000-workers ratio of 1.181. This indicates a stable, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for these professionals. The concentration, measured by a Location Quotient of 1.2, suggests that this region has a slightly higher proportion of OTs compared to the national average, implying a moderately robust job market for the profession.
Salary Overview
The average Occupational Therapists in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC earns-11.5%below the national average.
$42.2
$1,689
$7,320
Occupational Therapists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Occupational Therapists in areas like Durham-Chapel Hill have experienced steady growth over the past four years. This trend is often driven by increasing healthcare demands, an aging population, and a growing recognition of the vital role OTs play in patient recovery and quality of life, leading to incremental salary adjustments.
Occupational Therapists Salary Distribution in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Salary progression for Occupational Therapists in Durham-Chapel Hill typically correlates with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior-level compensation signifies clear career advancement opportunities and the value placed on expertise within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $65,050 | $31.3 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $65,880 | $31.7 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $82,060 | $39.5 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $109,800 | $52.8 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $114,820 | $55.2 |
Detailed Occupational Therapists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$87,840
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$87,840
Adjusted for COL (100)
An average annual salary of $87,840 in Durham-Chapel Hill aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living, indicated by an index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of an OT's salary in this region is comparable to the national standard, offering a balanced financial landscape for residents. While the salary is below the national average for the profession, the cost of living does not present a significant disadvantage.
Job Market Context
400
Total Jobs
1.181
Per 1K Jobs
1.2
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.20, Durham-Chapel Hill, NC has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Occupational Therapists roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.2, Durham-Chapel Hill demonstrates a slightly higher concentration of Occupational Therapists than the national average. This suggests that while the demand is present, the market may be moderately competitive due to a slightly larger pool of professionals relative to the general workforce. However, a LQ above 1.0 still indicates a specialized demand for OTs in this metropolitan area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Occupational Therapists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Raleigh-Cary, NC Occupational Therapists Salary | $89,660↑ 2% | 18 mi |
| Burlington, NC Occupational Therapists Salary | $84,050↓ 4% | 32 mi |
| Greensboro-High Point, NC Occupational Therapists Salary | $92,650↑ 5% | 52 mi |
| Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Occupational Therapists Salary | $100,180↑ 14% | 56 mi |
| Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Occupational Therapists Salary | $92,690↑ 6% | 56 mi |
Comparing salaries near Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Hiring Occupational Therapistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Occupational Therapists make in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
The median annual salary for a Occupational Therapists in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is $87,840. This typically ranges from $65,050 for entry-level positions to $114,820 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is 11.5% lower than the national median of $99,240.
Is Durham-Chapel Hill, NC a lucrative place for Occupational Therapists?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the average salary of $87,840 is solid, it falls below the national average of $99,240. However, the cost of living being at the national average (100) means the salary's purchasing power is standard.
Is Durham-Chapel Hill, NC a good place to live for Occupational Therapists?
The Cost of Living Index in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Raleigh-Cary, NC ($89,660) and Burlington, NC.
How does the local OT workforce compare to the national average?
The Durham-Chapel Hill area has a slightly higher concentration of Occupational Therapists, with a Location Quotient of 1.2, indicating a specialized demand for the profession relative to the national average.
What is the job availability like for Occupational Therapists in Durham-Chapel Hill?
With 1.181 jobs per 1,000 workers, the job market is stable, suggesting consistent opportunities for qualified Occupational Therapists in the region.
Does experience significantly impact an OT's salary in this area?
Yes, like most professions, experience plays a crucial role, with senior Occupational Therapists commanding higher salaries than entry-level practitioners, reflecting increased expertise and responsibility.
How does the salary compare to the cost of living in Durham-Chapel Hill?
The average OT salary of $87,840 is well-balanced by the local cost of living, which is exactly at the national average of 100, providing standard purchasing power.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 400 employees in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area with a job density of 1.181 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Occupational Therapists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC