📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Occupational Therapist Salary in Kentucky (2026)

Kentucky · 17.0% below national average · High Demand

Average
$77,339
per year
Median
$75,953
per year
Hourly
$37.18
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
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Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$53,101
25th Percentile — Junior$63,883
50th Percentile — Median$75,953
75th Percentile — Senior$88,142
90th Percentile — Top Earners$95,969
💡 Top-earning Occupational Therapists in Kentucky make up to $95,969 per year. The job market in Kentucky is rated moderate, with key industries including Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$63.3k
2021
$65.9k
2022
$68.6k
2023
$71.4k
2024
$74.3k
2025
$77.3k
2026
📈 Occupational Therapist salaries in Kentucky have followed the national trend with 4.1% annual growth. The strong demand in Kentucky's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Occupational Therapist Salary by City in Kentucky
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Louisville $64,965 -16.0% High
Lexington $64,965 -16.0% High
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Occupational Therapist Job Market in Kentucky
Key factors affecting compensation

Kentucky is home to a moderate job market for Occupational Therapists. The state's key industries — Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $77,339 per year, Kentucky's Occupational Therapist salaries are 17.0% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in Kentucky (index: 0.83) makes salaries stretch further than in higher-cost states. Entry-level professionals in Kentucky can expect to earn $53,101–$63,883, while experienced Occupational Therapists can command $88,142–$95,969.

Looking ahead, the Occupational Therapist profession in Kentucky is projected to grow at 4.1% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Manufacturing continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
⚖️
Compare with Similar Jobs
Related career salary benchmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Occupational Therapist salary in Kentucky is $77,339 per year in 2026, which is 17.0% below the national average of $93,180.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Occupational Therapists the highest wages in Kentucky due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • Kentucky has a moderate job market with major industries in Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture. Opportunities exist in for Occupational Therapist employment.
  • At $77,339/year, Kentucky Occupational Therapist salaries are 17.0% lower than the national average of $93,180/year.