Ranking table
Top state markets for occupational therapists
Official data is kept separate from The OT Index scoring and interpretation so readers can see what is measured and what is judgment.
| Rank | Option | Score | BLS mean annual wage | Employment and concentration | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | 78.3 | $121,920 mean wage | 13,810 jobs; 0.73 LQ | OTs comparing statewide wage strength, job depth, and concentration before relocating or negotiating. | State averages are not cost-adjusted. Check metro wages, housing costs, and employer mix before choosing California. |
| 2 | Texas | 62.4 | $107,630 mean wage | 13,400 jobs; 0.91 LQ | OTs comparing statewide wage strength, job depth, and concentration before relocating or negotiating. | State averages are not cost-adjusted. Check metro wages, housing costs, and employer mix before choosing Texas. |
| 3 | New Jersey | 60.3 | $110,150 mean wage | 6,290 jobs; 1.41 LQ | OTs comparing statewide wage strength, job depth, and concentration before relocating or negotiating. | State averages are not cost-adjusted. Check metro wages, housing costs, and employer mix before choosing New Jersey. |
| 4 | Massachusetts | 53.4 | $99,730 mean wage | 6,510 jobs; 1.71 LQ | OTs comparing statewide wage strength, job depth, and concentration before relocating or negotiating. | State averages are not cost-adjusted. Check metro wages, housing costs, and employer mix before choosing Massachusetts. |
| 5 | New York | 50.5 | $97,650 mean wage | 11,690 jobs; 1.15 LQ | OTs comparing statewide wage strength, job depth, and concentration before relocating or negotiating. | State averages are not cost-adjusted. Check metro wages, housing costs, and employer mix before choosing New York. |
| 6 | Connecticut | 50.3 | $102,140 mean wage | 3,150 jobs; 1.77 LQ | OTs comparing statewide wage strength, job depth, and concentration before relocating or negotiating. | State averages are not cost-adjusted. Check metro wages, housing costs, and employer mix before choosing Connecticut. |
| 7 | Colorado | 50.0 | $111,620 mean wage | 3,390 jobs; 1.13 LQ | OTs comparing statewide wage strength, job depth, and concentration before relocating or negotiating. | State averages are not cost-adjusted. Check metro wages, housing costs, and employer mix before choosing Colorado. |
| 8 | Arkansas | 48.0 | $104,940 mean wage | 2,160 jobs; 1.59 LQ | OTs comparing statewide wage strength, job depth, and concentration before relocating or negotiating. | State averages are not cost-adjusted. Check metro wages, housing costs, and employer mix before choosing Arkansas. |
| 9 | Illinois | 45.4 | $99,570 mean wage | 7,710 jobs; 1.21 LQ | OTs comparing statewide wage strength, job depth, and concentration before relocating or negotiating. | State averages are not cost-adjusted. Check metro wages, housing costs, and employer mix before choosing Illinois. |
| 10 | Washington | 43.1 | $110,100 mean wage | 3,340 jobs; 0.90 LQ | OTs comparing statewide wage strength, job depth, and concentration before relocating or negotiating. | State averages are not cost-adjusted. Check metro wages, housing costs, and employer mix before choosing Washington. |
| 11 | Florida | 43.0 | $95,620 mean wage | 10,650 jobs; 1.03 LQ | OTs comparing statewide wage strength, job depth, and concentration before relocating or negotiating. | State averages are not cost-adjusted. Check metro wages, housing costs, and employer mix before choosing Florida. |
| 12 | Alaska | 40.0 | $108,000 mean wage | 410 jobs; 1.20 LQ | OTs comparing statewide wage strength, job depth, and concentration before relocating or negotiating. | State averages are not cost-adjusted. Check metro wages, housing costs, and employer mix before choosing Alaska. |
| 13 | Ohio | 39.6 | $97,390 mean wage | 6,760 jobs; 1.17 LQ | OTs comparing statewide wage strength, job depth, and concentration before relocating or negotiating. | State averages are not cost-adjusted. Check metro wages, housing costs, and employer mix before choosing Ohio. |
| 14 | Pennsylvania | 37.8 | $98,460 mean wage | 6,560 jobs; 1.04 LQ | OTs comparing statewide wage strength, job depth, and concentration before relocating or negotiating. | State averages are not cost-adjusted. Check metro wages, housing costs, and employer mix before choosing Pennsylvania. |
| 15 | Nevada | 36.1 | $112,290 mean wage | 1,080 jobs; 0.67 LQ | OTs comparing statewide wage strength, job depth, and concentration before relocating or negotiating. | State averages are not cost-adjusted. Check metro wages, housing costs, and employer mix before choosing Nevada. |