Average Occupational Therapists Salary in Winston-Salem, NC
Occupational Therapists in Winston-Salem, NC earn an average annual salary of $91,570. This figure is slightly below the national average of $99,240, indicating a localized compensation structure influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand within the Winston-Salem healthcare landscape.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $91,570 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 8.5% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $114,500.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 250 Occupational Therapists and a Location Quotient of 0.93, Winston-Salem presents a stable, albeit slightly less concentrated, job market for these professionals compared to national averages. The presence of nearly one job per thousand workers suggests consistent, steady demand for skilled therapists in the area.
Salary Overview
The average Occupational Therapists in Winston-Salem, NC earns-7.7%below the national average.
$44
$1,761
$7,631
Occupational Therapists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Winston-Salem is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Occupational Therapists in the region have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by increasing healthcare needs, advancements in therapeutic techniques, and a persistent demand for rehabilitation services.
Occupational Therapists Salary Distribution in Winston-Salem, NC
Salary progression for Occupational Therapists in Winston-Salem, as elsewhere, is strongly tied to experience. Entry-level practitioners typically earn at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior therapists with specialized skills and extensive experience can command significantly higher salaries, often reaching the upper percentiles. These percentile gaps highlight clear career advancement opportunities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $66,150 | $31.8 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $68,678 | $33 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $95,210 | $45.8 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $114,463 | $55 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $114,500 | $55 |
Detailed Occupational Therapists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$91,570
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$91,570
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $91,570 in Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial environment for residents.
Job Market Context
250
Total Jobs
0.917
Per 1K Jobs
0.93
Location Quotient
Winston-Salem, NC has 0.93x the national average concentration of Occupational Therapists jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.93 indicates that Winston-Salem has a slightly lower concentration of Occupational Therapists relative to the national average. This suggests a competitive but not oversaturated job market, where skilled professionals can find opportunities without facing extreme competition, while still being a significant part of the local healthcare ecosystem.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Occupational Therapists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Greensboro-High Point, NC Occupational Therapists Salary | $92,650↑ 1% | 23 mi |
| Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Occupational Therapists Salary | $100,180↑ 9% | 41 mi |
| Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Occupational Therapists Salary | $92,690↑ 1% | 41 mi |
| Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Occupational Therapists Salary | $87,160↓ 5% | 41 mi |
| Burlington, NC Occupational Therapists Salary | $84,050↓ 8% | 43 mi |
Comparing salaries near Winston-Salem, NC
Hiring Occupational Therapistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Occupational Therapists make in Winston-Salem, NC?
The median annual salary for a Occupational Therapists in Winston-Salem, NC is $91,570. This typically ranges from $66,150 for entry-level positions to $114,500 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Winston-Salem, NC is 7.7% lower than the national median of $99,240.
Is Winston-Salem, NC a lucrative place for Occupational Therapists?
Yes, it offers average earning potential with average living costs.Occupational Therapists in Winston-Salem earn $91,570 annually, which aligns with the national average cost of living. While the salary is slightly below the national average for the profession, the equivalent cost of living ensures stable purchasing power.
Is Winston-Salem, NC a good place to live for Occupational Therapists?
The Cost of Living Index in Winston-Salem, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Winston-Salem, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Greensboro-High Point, NC ($92,650) and Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area.
How does Winston-Salem's Occupational Therapist salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Occupational Therapists in Winston-Salem is $91,570, which is approximately 7.7% lower than the national average of $99,240.
What is the concentration of Occupational Therapists in Winston-Salem?
Winston-Salem has a Location Quotient of 0.93 for Occupational Therapists, meaning the concentration of these professionals is slightly below the national average.
How does the cost of living in Winston-Salem affect salary perception?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Winston-Salem's cost of living is exactly at the national average. This means the $91,570 salary provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What is the job market like for Occupational Therapists in Winston-Salem?
The market is stable with a total local workforce of 250 Occupational Therapists and 0.917 jobs per 1,000 workers, indicating consistent demand.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 250 employees in the Winston-Salem, NC area with a job density of 0.917 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 Winston-Salem, NC