What is an occupational therapist in schools’ salary?

An occupational therapist in schools’ salary or pay rates vary due to local factors. However, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), places the median in the United States at $81,620.  

Occupational Therapist in Schools Salary Considerations:

• The local cost of living influences payrates. 
• Experience matters. 
• Public or private schools are able to pay different levels. 
• Earning additional certifications can help boost pay. 
• Consider the value of additional perks or benefits offerings. 

What is an occupational therapist in schools’ salary: national average.

According to the most recent report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median pay for school-based occupational therapists across the country is $81,620. Another report by an independent salary company puts the national range for school-based occupational therapist salaries a little higher—from $92,796 to $113,475. 

As with other jobs, pay varies greatly depending on where you live and work. For example, the average school-based occupational therapist salary in California, a state with a higher-than-average cost of living, is $112,854. In comparison, the average Nebraska school-based occupational therapist makes $96,381. Nebraska has a lower-than-average cost of living. 

Consider where you live and your state’s cost of living when weighing whether a school-based occupational therapist salary and career trajectory fits your career plans. 

Does experience level impact occupational therapist salary?

In most cases, the answer is yes. Occupational therapists in schools who have longer tenure and more experience can expect to be paid more than those who are just entering the profession.  

Whether you work directly for the school district, as an independent contractor, or through a third-party staffing company, you can negotiate pay commensurate with your increased experience. 

Do private schools pay occupational therapists more than public schools?

We find that salaries for occupational therapists are competitive between the two types of schools. Other factors to consider when deciding to work in a public school or private school include vacation and sick days, pensions, and other benefits. There are many benefits to being an independent contractor too, like competitive rates, choosing your own health insurance, and scheduling flexibility. 

Larger public-school systems may be able to provide occupational therapists with a more attractive total compensation package than smaller private schools. 

Do I need certifications to earn a higher salary as an occupational therapist in schools?

Having certifications or licenses not only makes you a more attractive hire for a school but also can help boost your pay. Taking the extra time and dedication to earn certifications can demonstrate to schools that you’ve gone the extra mile to learn more about working with children as an occupational therapist. 

For example, the American Occupational Therapist Association offers a School-Based Practice Professional Certificate, which is designed to help occupational therapists grow their skills in supporting academic achievement, transitions in educational advancement, and overall child well-being. 

While they may not be required, investigating professional certifications may help you negotiate higher pay, especially as you’re first starting out as an occupational therapist in schools. 

Why should I look at benefits and perks as a school-based occupational therapist? 

It’s important to remember that it’s not always all about the salary or pay rate you’re offered. While it’s obviously an important factor to consider, you should also be investigating things like schedule requirements, benefits and advancement opportunities: 

• Benefits package: Many schools do provide benefits like medical, dental and vision insurance, as well as retirement plans [e.g., 401(k) plans]. Be sure to read the details of these plans to understand the full value of your total compensation, which refers to your base salary, plus the value of benefits you’re offered. 

• Schedule requirements: Working in schools as an occupational therapist may provide you with better work-life balance than working in a hospital setting. You should ask about scheduling when you’re interviewing for a school-based occupational therapist role. 

• Time off: Every school and school system treats employee paid time off differently. If a school offers a lower salary, but provides three weeks of paid time off, not including holidays, it may be a better fit for you than a school that provides a high salary but no paid time off. 

• Advance opportunities: Thinking about your future should also prompt you to think about whether a school provides opportunities for you to grow as an occupational therapist. Are you afforded stipends to support continuing education? Can you be promoted throughout your tenure? These are all important factors to consider beyond what your base pay includes. 

How to become an occupational therapist at a school.

School-based occupational therapists can enjoy well-paying, fulfilling careers. At Pediatric Therapeutic Services, we work with occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, physical therapists, psychologists, mental health professionals, and other clinicians to help you find the right school-based placements. 

If you’re interested in becoming a school-based occupational therapist, learn more about joining our team. 

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