Occupational Therapist salary in District of Columbia
A strong career option in District of Columbia — with programs that take 2 to 6 years to complete.
Median pay · May 2025
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
$109,170/ yr
$9,098 / mo · $52.49 / hr
↑ $8,840 above the national median ($100,330)
Pay by experience
Entry
$81,765
Median
$109,170
Experienced
$129,813
Demand
High
Program length
2 to 6 years
Projected growth
+13.8%
Annual openings
10,200
Market trajectory
BLS national wage benchmarks
How District of Columbia compares to the national wage trend
District of Columbia median
$109,170
2025 national
$100,330
2024 national
$98,340
↑ +2.0% change in national average wages for this field over the last year.
Job demand & outlook
+13.8% projected growth through 2034
10,200 average annual openings nationwide for Occupational Therapists.
Source: BLS Employment Projections
Where this career can take you
A clear progression path, with real salary growth at each step
- Occupational Therapist (entry-level)$81,765
- Occupational Therapist (mid-career)$109,170
- Occupational Therapist (experienced)$129,813
Is this career change worth it?
A simple look at what it costs vs what you gain
What it typically costs
- Average training cost$18,966
- Time to complete2 to 6 years
- Credential earnedProfessional Certification / Diploma
What you get back
- Starting salary$81,765
- Median salary$109,170
- Experienced salary$129,813
At an entry wage of $81,765, most Occupational Therapists break even on the $18,966 training investment in about 3 months of work.
How to become an Occupational Therapist in District of Columbia
A clear path from where you are to where you want to be
Find an Occupational Therapist program in District of Columbia
Browse certified training programs. Most Occupational Therapist tracks complete in 2 to 6 years and average $18,966 in tuition.
Earn your Professional Certification / Diploma
Complete coursework, finish required clinical or lab hours, and pass the exam required for a Professional Certification / Diploma in District of Columbia.
Get hired in District of Columbia
With roughly 10,200 Occupational Therapist openings each year nationwide, graduates often find employment within 30–90 days in District of Columbia.
People also explored
Other careers our users compared
Frequently asked questions
The median salary for an Occupational Therapist in District of Columbia is $109,170 per year, which is $52.49 per hour. Entry level positions typically start around $81,765 while experienced Occupational Therapists can earn up to $129,813 annually.
Next step
Find Occupational Therapist Classes Near You
Enter your ZIP code to see accredited Occupational Therapist classes in your area.