Ranking table
OT settings ranked by median annual wage
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 | Median annual wage | The OT Index read | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nursing care facilities | A | $103,210 | Highest published major-setting median | Clinicians who want strong pay and frequent rehab volume. | Expect productivity pressure, heavy documentation, and variable staffing models. |
| 2 | Home healthcare services | A | $103,010 | Nearly tied with nursing care facilities | OTs who value autonomy, aging-in-place work, and schedule control. | Travel time, cancellations, and visit density can change the real hourly value. |
| 3 | Hospitals | A- | $100,770 | Strong pay plus acute-care exposure | New grads and clinicians building broad medical complexity skills. | Weekend rotations, fast discharge planning, and census swings are common. |
| 4 | Therapy offices | B+ | $96,380 | Outpatient and specialty upside | OTs pursuing hands, neuro, pediatrics, ergonomics, or private-practice paths. | Pay varies sharply by specialty, ownership model, and local referral base. |
| 5 | Educational services | B | $83,890 | Lower pay, often stronger calendar quality | OTs who prefer pediatrics, school calendars, and team-based IEP work. | Caseload size, district support, and documentation systems can make or break fit. |