Occupational Therapist Jobs in Philadelphia, PA

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania$86,700 USD/yearFull-time
Updated: March 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

Occupational Therapist Salary in Philadelphia

Entry Level
$60,690
Median
$86,700
Senior Level
$117,300

Occupational Therapist salaries in Philadelphia are in line with national averages, offering competitive compensation for the region.

Purchasing power in Philadelphia is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

Required Skills

Patient AssessmentTreatment PlanningAdaptive EquipmentDocumentationCommunication

Occupational Therapist Job Market in Philadelphia

Philadelphia, PA is a major regional employment hub for Occupational Therapist professionals. With a population of 1.6 million, the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington metro area offers diverse opportunities across multiple industries. The city's strong Healthcare and Education sectors create robust demand for Occupational Therapist talent. The market for Occupational Therapist positions remains stable, with opportunities in both established companies and growing organizations.

Top Companies Hiring Occupational Therapists in Philadelphia

Penn MedicineJefferson HealthTemple HealthChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia

Major employers hiring Occupational Therapists in Philadelphia include Penn Medicine, Jefferson Health, Temple Health, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. With major hospital systems and research institutions, Philadelphia offers excellent opportunities for healthcare professionals at all career stages. Many companies offer competitive benefits including comprehensive healthcare, and professional development opportunities.

Cost of Living for Occupational Therapists in Philadelphia

Living in Philadelphia as a Occupational Therapist means navigating a cost of living that's slightly above the national average. Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,900/month. Housing costs are manageable for Occupational Therapist salaries in the area. Suburban apartments average $1,400/month, offering significant savings with slightly longer commutes.

102
Cost Index (100=avg)
$1.9K
Avg Rent/Month
Growing
Tech Hub
Tier 2
Market Size

Commuting as a Occupational Therapist in Philadelphia

Philadelphia SEPTA subway, trolley, regional rail, and bus network. The average commute time is 32 minutes. Regional Rail connects to suburbs and New Jersey. Subway lines are efficient for Center City commutes.

Best neighborhoods for Occupational Therapists in Philadelphia: Downtown (Central business district with tech companies); Tech Park/Campus (Suburban office park developments). Downtown is particularly popular among Occupational Therapist professionals due to proximity to major employers and urban amenities.

Tax Considerations in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has moderate state income taxes. When evaluating offers, consider total compensation including benefits, not just base salary. Local cost of living typically has more impact on your finances than state tax differences.

Career Outlook for Occupational Therapists

The job outlook for Occupational Therapists in Philadelphia is stable. While not experiencing rapid growth, the field maintains steady demand with consistent opportunities for qualified professionals. Philadelphia's growing economy creates new positions regularly, often with less competition than coastal tech hubs. In-demand skills include Patient Assessment, Treatment Planning, Adaptive Equipment, Documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Occupational Therapist salary in Philadelphia, PA?

The average Occupational Therapist salary in Philadelphia, PA is $86,700 per year. Entry-level Occupational Therapists typically start around $60,690, while experienced professionals can earn $117,300 or more. The national average for Occupational Therapist roles is $85,000.

How many Occupational Therapist jobs are available in Philadelphia?

Philadelphia has a strong job market with regular openings for Occupational Therapist professionals. Major employers hiring Occupational Therapists include Penn Medicine, Jefferson Health, Temple Health, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. The Healthcare and Education sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is Philadelphia a good city for Occupational Therapists?

Philadelphia is an very good choice for Occupational Therapists. As a major metro area, it offers abundant opportunities and competitive salaries. The cost of living is reasonable compared to major coastal cities. The city's healthcare industry creates strong demand for healthcare professionals.

What skills are most in-demand for Occupational Therapists in Philadelphia?

Top skills for Occupational Therapists in Philadelphia include Patient Assessment, Treatment Planning, Adaptive Equipment, Documentation, Communication. Employers value both technical expertise and soft skills like communication and teamwork.

What is the cost of living for Occupational Therapists in Philadelphia?

Philadelphia's cost of living is near the national average (102% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,900/month. Purchasing power in Philadelphia is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for Occupational Therapists in Philadelphia?

Philadelphia SEPTA subway, trolley, regional rail, and bus network. The average commute is 32 minutes. Regional Rail connects to suburbs and New Jersey.

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