Ranked results
OT settings ranked by median annual wage
Start with the rank, key stats, decision context, and the reason each option lands where it does.
Show ranking detailsHide ranking detailsWhy #1 ranks here
Why we ranked it here At #1, Nursing care facilities has published median pay of $103,210. That is the highest published major-setting median. Pay is the main reason for this position; schedule, role flexibility, and workload make up the rest of the comparison.
Who it may suitClinicians who want strong pay and frequent rehab volume.
Where it falls shortExpect productivity pressure, heavy documentation, and variable staffing models.
Show ranking detailsHide ranking detailsWhy #2 ranks here
Why we ranked it here At #2, Home healthcare services has published median pay of $103,010. The ranking describes this as nearly tied with nursing care facilities. Pay is the main reason for this position; schedule, role flexibility, and workload make up the rest of the comparison.
Who it may suitOTs who value autonomy, aging-in-place work, and schedule control.
Where it falls shortTravel time, cancellations, and visit density can change the real hourly value.
Rank #3
Hospitals
Show ranking detailsHide ranking detailsWhy #3 ranks here
Why we ranked it here At #3, Hospitals has published median pay of $100,770. The ranking describes this as strong pay plus acute-care exposure. Pay is the main reason for this position; schedule, role flexibility, and workload make up the rest of the comparison.
Who it may suitNew grads and clinicians building broad medical complexity skills.
Where it falls shortWeekend rotations, fast discharge planning, and census swings are common.
Rank #4
Therapy offices
Show ranking detailsHide ranking detailsWhy #4 ranks here
Why we ranked it here At #4, Therapy offices has published median pay of $96,380. The ranking describes this as outpatient and specialty upside. Pay is the main reason for this position; schedule, role flexibility, and workload make up the rest of the comparison.
Who it may suitOTs pursuing hands, neuro, pediatrics, ergonomics, or private-practice paths.
Where it falls shortPay varies sharply by specialty, ownership model, and local referral base.
Show ranking detailsHide ranking detailsWhy #5 ranks here
Why we ranked it here At #5, Educational services has published median pay of $83,890. The ranking describes this as lower pay, often stronger calendar quality. Pay is the main reason for this position; schedule, role flexibility, and workload make up the rest of the comparison.
Who it may suitOTs who prefer pediatrics, school calendars, and team-based IEP work.
Where it falls shortCaseload size, district support, and documentation systems can make or break fit.
Decision guide
How to use this ranking
Use this ranking when you are comparing job settings, negotiating an offer, or deciding whether a higher wage is worth the workload tradeoffs.
Use it this way
- Start with the BLS wage order, then compare the setting profile before treating rank as fit.
- Convert salary into weekly reality by adding documentation, commute, meetings, cancellations, and productivity expectations.
- Compare the setting against your preferred specialty and local market before accepting an offer.
Decision factors
- How is non-billable time handled?
- What productivity target is expected, and what happens during low census or cancellations?
- Does the setting support the specialty, mentorship, and schedule you actually want?