Average Occupational Therapists Salary in Portland-South Portland, ME
Occupational Therapists in Portland-South Portland, ME, earn an average annual salary of $84,340. This figure is notably below the national average of $99,240. Local economic factors, including the specific demand and supply dynamics within the Maine healthcare sector, likely contribute to this regional salary variation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $84,340 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 15.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $103,550.
- Outlook: The Portland-South Portland area supports a local workforce of 490 Occupational Therapists. With a Location Quotient of 1.73, indicating a concentration 73% higher than the national average, there is a robust local demand for these professionals, suggesting a stable job market.
Salary Overview
The average Occupational Therapists in Portland-South Portland, ME earns-15.0%below the national average.
$40.6
$1,622
$7,028
Occupational Therapists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Occupational Therapists nationwide and in regions like Portland-South Portland have experienced steady growth over the past four years, driven by increasing healthcare needs and an aging population.
Occupational Therapists Salary Distribution in Portland-South Portland, ME
Career progression for Occupational Therapists in Portland-South Portland, ME, is typically reflected in salary increases with experience. Entry-level practitioners may start at a lower percentile, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and years of practice can command salaries in the higher percentiles, signifying significant earning potential growth.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $65,400 | $31.4 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $63,255 | $30.4 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $83,810 | $40.3 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $105,425 | $50.7 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $103,550 | $49.8 |
Detailed Occupational Therapists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$84,340
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$84,340
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $84,340 for Occupational Therapists in Portland-South Portland, ME, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of an Occupational Therapist's salary in this region is comparable to the national average, offering a stable financial standing.
Job Market Context
490
Total Jobs
1.713
Per 1K Jobs
1.73
Location Quotient
Portland-South Portland, ME has 1.7x 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.
A Location Quotient of 1.73 signifies that Occupational Therapists are significantly more concentrated in Portland-South Portland, ME, than the national average. This suggests a strong local demand and a potentially competitive job market where employers actively seek skilled therapists.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Occupational Therapists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lewiston-Auburn, ME Occupational Therapists Salary | $83,790↓ 1% | 29 mi |
| Central New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area Occupational Therapists Salary | $82,840↓ 2% | 67 mi |
| Northern New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area Occupational Therapists Salary | $88,350↑ 5% | 67 mi |
| Southwestern New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area Occupational Therapists Salary | $80,080↓ 5% | 67 mi |
| Manchester-Nashua, NH Occupational Therapists Salary | $85,400↑ 1% | 76 mi |
Comparing salaries near Portland-South Portland, ME
Hiring Occupational Therapistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Occupational Therapists make in Portland-South Portland, ME?
The median annual salary for a Occupational Therapists in Portland-South Portland, ME is $84,340. This typically ranges from $65,400 for entry-level positions to $103,550 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Portland-South Portland, ME is 15.0% lower than the national median of $99,240.
Is Portland-South Portland, ME a lucrative place for Occupational Therapists?
No, not compared to the national average.While the average salary of $84,340 is substantial, it falls below the national average of $99,240. However, the cost of living being at the national average means the salary's purchasing power is equivalent nationally.
Is Portland-South Portland, ME a good place to live for Occupational Therapists?
The Cost of Living Index in Portland-South Portland, ME is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Portland-South Portland, ME?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lewiston-Auburn, ME ($83,790) and Central New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area.
How does the local workforce size affect job prospects?
A local workforce of 490 Occupational Therapists indicates a substantial presence of the profession, suggesting established healthcare facilities and ongoing demand for services within the Portland-South Portland area.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.73 mean for Occupational Therapists?
A Location Quotient of 1.73 means that Occupational Therapists are 73% more concentrated in Portland-South Portland, ME, than the national average, indicating a higher relative demand for these professionals in the region.
How does the Cost of Living Index impact salary perception?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the Portland-South Portland, ME, area has living expenses equivalent to the national average. This means the $84,340 salary offers a purchasing power that matches the national median.
Are there many job openings for Occupational Therapists in this area?
The combination of a high Location Quotient and a significant local workforce suggests a healthy job market with consistent opportunities for Occupational Therapists in Portland-South Portland, ME.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 490 employees in the Portland-South Portland, ME area with a job density of 1.713 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 Portland-South Portland, ME