Based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data — updated August 12, 2026.
| North Carolina | National | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median annual salary | $92,940 | $101,555 | -8% |
| Median hourly wage | $44.68 | $48.82 | -8% |
Adjusted for local price levels (100 = national average), the cost-adjusted median is $98,558.
| City | Median | Entry Level | Experienced | Cost of Living |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raleigh | $101,189 | $78,750 | $115,500 | 101 |
| Charlotte | $98,297 | $76,500 | $112,200 | 100 |
The median annual salary for a Occupational Therapist in North Carolina is $92,940, or about $44.68 per hour, according to BLS OEWS data.
The national median for Occupational Therapists is $101,555. North Carolina is -8% below the national median.
Entry-level occupational therapists in North Carolina typically earn from $78,750 depending on the city and employer.
With 4,490 occupational therapist jobs on record and a median salary of $92,940, North Carolina offers competitive pay compared to the rest of the country.