Average Occupational Therapist Salary Overview in Raleigh
The average Occupational Therapist salary in Raleigh in 2026 is $84,000 per year ($7,000/month, $40.38/hour). North Carolina charges a flat 4.75% state income tax.
| Level | Annual Salary | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level | $62,000 | $5,166 |
| Mid-Level | $80,000 | $6,666 |
| Senior | $98,000 | $8,166 |
| Lead / Staff | $111,000 | $9,250 |
| Director | $127,000 | $10,583 |
Salary by Experience — Occupational Therapists in Raleigh
| Experience | Annual |
|---|---|
| 0–1 yr (Junior) | $52,080 |
| 1–3 yrs | $67,200 |
| 3–5 yrs (Mid) | $84,000 |
| 5–8 yrs | $97,440 |
| 8–12 yrs (Senior) | $107,520 |
| 12+ yrs | $124,320 |
Is $84,000 a Good Salary in Raleigh?
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Gross Monthly | $7,000 |
| Taxes (~24%) | -$1,680 |
| Take-Home Pay | $5,320 |
| Average 1BR Rent | -$1,600 |
| Remaining | $3,720 |
After rent, a Occupational Therapist in Raleigh earning $84,000 has approximately $3,720/month for other expenses. What Is a Good Salary in 2026?
How to Negotiate Your Occupational Therapist Salary in Raleigh
- Research the market. The Raleigh average for Occupational Therapists is $84,000. Use Glassdoor and LinkedIn Salary to validate your range.
- Negotiate total comp. Bonuses, equity, PTO, and remote flexibility add significant value beyond base pay.
- Negotiate post-offer. You have maximum leverage after the company decides it wants you — use it.
FAQ
What is the average Occupational Therapist salary in Raleigh?
$84,000/year as of 2026. Entry-level starts around $62,000, seniors earn $98,000+.
How much does a Occupational Therapist make per hour in Raleigh?
Approximately $40.38/hour based on a standard 40-hour work week at $84,000 annual salary.
Do Occupational Therapists get bonuses in Raleigh?
Yes — typically 5–20% of base salary depending on employer, industry, and performance.
Is Raleigh a good job market for Occupational Therapists?
Yes. Raleigh has growing demand across multiple sectors, with competitive compensation relative to cost of living.
Salary Data Sources
See Bureau of Labor Statistics, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn Salary.