Home / City Job Salaries / Occupational Therapist in Tempe

Occupational Therapist Salary in Tempe, AZ

How much does a occupational therapist make in Tempe? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Tempe's cost of living.

Median Salary
$103,090
per year in Tempe
Entry Level
$68,726
Starting salary
Senior Level
$139,744
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
110
10% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how occupational therapist salaries break down across different pay periods in Tempe.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$68,726$103,090$139,744
Monthly$5,727$8,591$11,645
Biweekly$2,643$3,965$5,375
Weekly$1,322$1,983$2,687
Hourly$33$50$67

Tempe vs National Average

How Tempe's occupational therapist salaries compare to national figures.

Tempe Salary
$103,090
COL Index: 110
National Average
$87,950
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$15,140
Higher in Tempe

Cost of Living in Tempe

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,450
per month
Median Income
$56,820
per year
Population
180,587
residents
Rent % of Income
30.6%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 110 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Tempe have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Occupational Therapist

Overview

Help patients develop and maintain skills for daily living and work.

Education

Master's degree in Occupational Therapy; licensure required

Key Skills

Therapeutic TechniquesPatient AssessmentTreatment PlanningRehabilitation

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +17% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Occupational Therapist Salary

See Occupational Therapist salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$102,750
0%
Los Angeles, CA
$115,380
+12%
Chicago, IL
$100,940
-2%
Houston, TX
$101,050
-2%
Phoenix, AZ
$103,090
0%

Financial Tools to Explore

Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a occupational therapist salary in Tempe.

Salary Breakdown Calculator

See exactly how your salary breaks down into taxes and take-home pay.

Cost of Living Calculator

Understand your expenses and purchasing power in Tempe.

Budget Calculator

Create a personalized budget based on your income and expenses.

Rent vs Buy Calculator

Compare the true costs of renting versus buying in Tempe.

Occupational Therapist Salary in Tempe, AZ — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a occupational therapist in Tempe, AZ is $103,090 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 110. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Tempe's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level occupational therapist professionals in Tempe can expect to earn around $68,726 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level occupational therapists earning approximately $139,744 per year. This represents a 103% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Tempe's cost of living index of 110 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Tempe are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $87,950, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a occupational therapist's salary in Tempe typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,450 per month, housing represents about 16.9% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Occupational Therapists are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 17% over the next decade. In Tempe, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024Metro-level wage data for this occupation and area
Data source: Salary data on this page are sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program May 2024 estimates. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.