Occupational Therapist Salary in North Carolina
Occupational Therapists in North Carolina earn an average of $95,705 per year across 2 metro areas. This is +0.7% lower than the national average.
Average Salary
$95,705
per year
Hourly Rate
$46.01
per hour
vs National
-0.7%
$96,370 national
Salary Range
$61,049
to $134,897
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$95,705
Cost of Living Index
96
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$99,693
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for North Carolina's cost of living (below average), a Occupational Therapist's salary of $95,705 has the purchasing power of $99,693 in an average-cost area.
Occupational Therapist Salary by City in North Carolina
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte, NC | $96,351 | $46.32/hr | $62,630 | $134,688 | 126 |
| Raleigh, NC | $95,059 | $45.70/hr | $59,468 | $135,105 | 131 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
North Carolina vs National Average
Occupational Therapist Salary Comparison
Employment in North Carolina
There are approximately 257 Occupational Therapists employed across 2 metro areas in North Carolina.
Key Industries: Banking & Finance, Technology, Biotechnology
State Income Tax: 4.5% flat rate
Occupational Therapist Salary Range in North Carolina
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$61,049
Starting salary for new Occupational Therapists
Median (50th Percentile)
$95,705
Mid-career Occupational Therapist salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$134,897
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in North Carolina
Nurse Practitioner
$127,220
avg in NC
+$31,515 vs Occupational Therapist
Registered Nurse
$91,454
avg in NC
-$4,251 vs Occupational Therapist
Dental Hygienist
$90,194
avg in NC
-$5,511 vs Occupational Therapist
Licensed Practical Nurse
$60,392
avg in NC
-$35,313 vs Occupational Therapist
Nursing Assistant
$38,744
avg in NC
-$56,961 vs Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapist Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Occupational Therapist salaries in North Carolina with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More Occupational Therapist Data
More North Carolina Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Occupational Therapist salary in North Carolina?
The average Occupational Therapist salary in North Carolina is $95,705 per year ($46.01/hour) based on 2026 data across 2 metro areas. This is 0.7% below the national average of $96,370.
What is the highest paying city for Occupational Therapists in North Carolina?
Charlotte, NC is the highest paying city for Occupational Therapists in North Carolina, with a median salary of $96,351 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Raleigh, NC at $95,059.
What is the salary range for Occupational Therapists in North Carolina?
Occupational Therapist salaries in North Carolina range from $61,049 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $134,897 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $95,705 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within North Carolina. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.