Average Occupational Therapists Salary in Wilmington, NC
Occupational Therapists in Wilmington, NC, earn an average annual salary of $89,290, which is notably below the national average of $99,240. This localized pay disparity can be attributed to a combination of factors including the specific demand within the Wilmington market, the presence of a smaller, more specialized workforce, and potentially regional economic influences that shape compensation structures.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $89,290 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 12.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $109,410.
- Outlook: Wilmington, NC, presents a concentrated job market for Occupational Therapists, with a local workforce of 300 professionals. The Location Quotient of 1.63 indicates a significantly higher concentration of OTs in Wilmington compared to the national average, suggesting robust local demand or a specialized healthcare ecosystem that favors these professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Occupational Therapists in Wilmington, NC earns-10.0%below the national average.
$42.9
$1,717
$7,441
Occupational Therapists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Wilmington's OT salary growth isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a general upward trend mirroring national patterns over the past four years. Economic factors, increased healthcare needs, and evolving therapeutic practices typically drive incremental salary increases for specialized roles like Occupational Therapists.
Occupational Therapists Salary Distribution in Wilmington, NC
The career trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Wilmington, NC, typically sees a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries well into the higher percentiles, reflecting a clear progression path and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $63,200 | $30.4 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $66,968 | $32.2 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $95,620 | $46 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $111,613 | $53.7 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $109,410 | $52.6 |
Detailed Occupational Therapists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$89,290
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$89,290
Adjusted for COL (100)
With an average salary of $89,290 and a Cost of Living Index of 100, Occupational Therapists in Wilmington, NC, find their nominal earnings directly align with the national average cost of living. This means the purchasing power of their salary in Wilmington is comparable to what they would experience in a typical US city, offering stable financial footing.
Job Market Context
300
Total Jobs
1.612
Per 1K Jobs
1.63
Location Quotient
Wilmington, NC 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.
The Location Quotient of 1.63 for Occupational Therapists in Wilmington, NC, signifies a market where these professionals are more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a potentially competitive environment for new entrants but also indicates a strong, established presence and demand for OT services within the local healthcare infrastructure.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Occupational Therapists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville, NC Occupational Therapists Salary | $87,320↓ 2% | 46 mi |
| Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC Occupational Therapists Salary | $87,900↓ 2% | 67 mi |
| Goldsboro, NC Occupational Therapists Salary | $89,550↑ 0% | 81 mi |
| Fayetteville, NC Occupational Therapists Salary | $90,120↑ 1% | 87 mi |
| Greenville, NC Occupational Therapists Salary | $94,690↑ 6% | 100 mi |
Comparing salaries near Wilmington, NC
Hiring Occupational Therapistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Occupational Therapists make in Wilmington, NC?
The median annual salary for a Occupational Therapists in Wilmington, NC is $89,290. This typically ranges from $63,200 for entry-level positions to $109,410 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Wilmington, NC is 10.0% lower than the national median of $99,240.
Is Wilmington, NC a lucrative place for Occupational Therapists?
Yes, it offers competitive compensation relative to its cost of living.While the average salary is slightly below the national benchmark, the cost of living in Wilmington is also at the national average. This balance means your earnings retain strong purchasing power, making it a financially stable location for OTs.
Is Wilmington, NC a good place to live for Occupational Therapists?
The Cost of Living Index in Wilmington, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Wilmington, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Jacksonville, NC ($87,320) and Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC.
How does the Wilmington OT salary compare to the national average?
Occupational Therapists in Wilmington, NC, earn an average of $89,290 annually, which is $9,950 less than the national average of $99,240.
What is the concentration of Occupational Therapists in Wilmington, NC?
Wilmington, NC, has a Location Quotient of 1.63 for Occupational Therapists, indicating that the area has 63% more OTs per worker than the national average.
What is the cost of living in Wilmington, NC?
The Cost of Living Index in Wilmington, NC, is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the United States.
How many Occupational Therapists work in Wilmington, NC?
There are approximately 300 Occupational Therapists employed in Wilmington, NC.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 300 employees in the Wilmington, NC area with a job density of 1.612 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 Wilmington, NC