Average Occupational Therapists Salary in Lincoln, NE
Occupational Therapists in Lincoln, NE, earn an average annual salary of $92,000. This figure is slightly below the national average of $99,240, a common occurrence in markets where local demand and cost of living dynamics influence compensation structures. While the nominal salary may appear lower, it's crucial to consider the broader economic context of the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $92,000 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 5.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $107,660.
- Outlook: Lincoln, NE, supports a local workforce of 280 Occupational Therapists, with 1.546 jobs per 1,000 workers. The Location Quotient of 1.57 indicates a concentration of these professionals significantly above the national average, suggesting a robust and established demand for their services within the community.
Salary Overview
The average Occupational Therapists in Lincoln, NE earns-7.3%below the national average.
$44.2
$1,769
$7,667
Occupational Therapists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Lincoln, NE is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Occupational Therapists have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing healthcare needs, an aging population, and advancements in therapeutic practices typically drive upward pressure on compensation in this vital field.
Occupational Therapists Salary Distribution in Lincoln, NE
Salary progression for Occupational Therapists in Lincoln, NE, typically scales 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. These percentile gaps are indicative of a clear career ladder and opportunities for advancement within the local market.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $70,680 | $34 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $69,000 | $33.2 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $91,560 | $44 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $115,000 | $55.3 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $107,660 | $51.8 |
Detailed Occupational Therapists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$92,000
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$92,000
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $92,000 in Lincoln, NE, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of an Occupational Therapist's salary in Lincoln is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing without the premium often associated with higher cost-of-living areas.
Job Market Context
280
Total Jobs
1.546
Per 1K Jobs
1.57
Location Quotient
Lincoln, NE has 1.6x the national concentration of Occupational Therapists jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
With a Location Quotient of 1.57, Lincoln, NE, demonstrates a higher concentration of Occupational Therapists than the national average. This suggests a mature and potentially competitive job market, where employers may have a good pool of local talent to draw from, but also indicates a strong, sustained demand for these specialized healthcare professionals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Occupational Therapists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Omaha, NE-IA Occupational Therapists Salary | $88,640↓ 4% | 45 mi |
| South Nebraska nonmetropolitan area Occupational Therapists Salary | $92,920↑ 1% | 86 mi |
| Northeast Nebraska nonmetropolitan area Occupational Therapists Salary | $93,350↑ 1% | 86 mi |
| Northwest Nebraska nonmetropolitan area Occupational Therapists Salary | $90,720↓ 1% | 86 mi |
| Grand Island, NE Occupational Therapists Salary | $84,580↓ 8% | 88 mi |
Comparing salaries near Lincoln, NE
Hiring Occupational Therapistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Occupational Therapists make in Lincoln, NE?
The median annual salary for a Occupational Therapists in Lincoln, NE is $92,000. This typically ranges from $70,680 for entry-level positions to $107,660 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lincoln, NE is 7.3% lower than the national median of $99,240.
Is Lincoln, NE a lucrative place for Occupational Therapists?
Yes, Lincoln, NE offers a stable financial environment for Occupational Therapists.The average salary of $92,000 is matched by a Cost of Living Index of 100, meaning your earnings have average purchasing power. The strong Location Quotient also points to consistent demand for the role.
Is Lincoln, NE a good place to live for Occupational Therapists?
The Cost of Living Index in Lincoln, NE is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Lincoln, NE?
Some top paying nearby cities include Omaha, NE-IA ($88,640) and South Nebraska nonmetropolitan area.
How does Lincoln, NE's Occupational Therapist salary compare to the national average?
Occupational Therapists in Lincoln, NE, earn an average of $92,000 annually, which is approximately 7.3% lower than the national average of $99,240.
What is the job market like for Occupational Therapists in Lincoln, NE?
The job market is robust, evidenced by a Location Quotient of 1.57, indicating a higher concentration of OTs than the national average, and 1.546 jobs per 1,000 workers.
Does the cost of living in Lincoln, NE affect the Occupational Therapist salary?
No, the cost of living in Lincoln, NE, is at the national average (100), meaning the $92,000 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
How many Occupational Therapists are employed in Lincoln, NE?
There are approximately 280 Occupational Therapists employed in Lincoln, NE.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 280 employees in the Lincoln, NE area with a job density of 1.546 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 Lincoln, NE