Average Occupational Therapists Salary in Pittsburgh, PA
Occupational Therapists in Pittsburgh, PA, earn an average annual salary of $84,440. This figure is notably below the national average of $99,240, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially lower demand or a higher supply of professionals in the region contribute to this compensation difference. Understanding these local nuances is key for career planning.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $84,440 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 10.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $108,750.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,220 Occupational Therapists, Pittsburgh presents a stable, albeit not exceptionally large, employment landscape for the profession. The Location Quotient of 1.11 indicates a slightly higher concentration of OTs compared to the national average, suggesting a healthy demand that aligns with or slightly exceeds the general distribution of jobs across the country.
Salary Overview
The average Occupational Therapists in Pittsburgh, PA earns-14.9%below the national average.
$40.6
$1,624
$7,037
Occupational Therapists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Pittsburgh's Occupational Therapist salaries over the past four years is not provided, it's reasonable to assume a general upward trend mirroring national patterns. Economic factors, increased healthcare needs, and evolving therapeutic practices typically drive modest annual salary growth for skilled professionals in this field.
Occupational Therapists Salary Distribution in Pittsburgh, PA
The career trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Pittsburgh, as elsewhere, typically involves significant salary progression with experience. Entry-level practitioners may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries well into the upper percentiles, reflecting their increased value and expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $56,610 | $27.2 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $63,330 | $30.4 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $83,420 | $40.1 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $105,550 | $50.7 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $108,750 | $52.3 |
Detailed Occupational Therapists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$84,440
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$84,440
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $84,440 for Occupational Therapists in Pittsburgh aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of an OT's salary in Pittsburgh is equivalent to that of an OT earning the national average salary in a location with average living costs.
Job Market Context
1,220
Total Jobs
1.097
Per 1K Jobs
1.11
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.11, Pittsburgh, PA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Occupational Therapists roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.11 signifies that Occupational Therapists are slightly more concentrated in Pittsburgh than the national average. This suggests a robust and active job market for OTs in the area, where the demand for their specialized skills is present and potentially growing, offering good opportunities for employment and career advancement.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Occupational Therapists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH Occupational Therapists Salary | $89,070↑ 5% | 30 mi |
| Wheeling, WV-OH Occupational Therapists Salary | $91,460↑ 8% | 45 mi |
| Morgantown, WV Occupational Therapists Salary | $91,360↑ 8% | 55 mi |
| Youngstown-Warren, OH Occupational Therapists Salary | $90,630↑ 7% | 57 mi |
| Johnstown, PA Occupational Therapists Salary | $83,450↓ 1% | 57 mi |
Comparing salaries near Pittsburgh, PA
Hiring Occupational Therapistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Occupational Therapists make in Pittsburgh, PA?
The median annual salary for a Occupational Therapists in Pittsburgh, PA is $84,440. This typically ranges from $56,610 for entry-level positions to $108,750 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Pittsburgh, PA is 14.9% lower than the national median of $99,240.
Is Pittsburgh, PA a lucrative place for Occupational Therapists?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the average salary of $84,440 is substantial, it falls below the national average of $99,240. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning the salary's purchasing power is equivalent.
Is Pittsburgh, PA a good place to live for Occupational Therapists?
The Cost of Living Index in Pittsburgh, PA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Pittsburgh, PA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH ($89,070) and Wheeling, WV-OH.
How does Pittsburgh's OT salary compare to the national average?
Occupational Therapists in Pittsburgh earn an average of $84,440 annually, which is less than the national average of $99,240.
What is the cost of living for Occupational Therapists in Pittsburgh?
The cost of living in Pittsburgh is at the national average (index of 100), meaning that the $84,440 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average salary in a location with average living expenses.
How many Occupational Therapists work in Pittsburgh?
There are approximately 1,220 Occupational Therapists employed in the Pittsburgh area.
Is there high demand for Occupational Therapists in Pittsburgh?
With a Location Quotient of 1.11, Occupational Therapists are slightly more concentrated in Pittsburgh than the national average, indicating a healthy and potentially growing demand for their services.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,220 employees in the Pittsburgh, PA area with a job density of 1.097 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 Pittsburgh, PA