Occupational Therapist Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Raleigh, North Carolina$85,850 USD/yearFull-timeTech Hub
Updated: April 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

About Occupational Therapist Jobs in Raleigh

Looking for a Occupational Therapist job in Raleigh? You're in the right place. This guide covers everything you need to know about working as a Occupational Therapist in Raleigh, NC.

We'll show you what you can expect to earn. We'll also share which companies are hiring. Plus, you'll learn about the cost of living and how to get started in your job search.

Raleigh has a strong job market for Occupational Therapists. Many employers are actively looking for talent. Read on to learn how to land your next role.

Occupational Therapist Salary in Raleigh

Entry Level
$60,095
Median
$85,850
Senior Level
$116,150

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

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

Required Skills

Patient AssessmentTreatment PlanningAdaptive EquipmentDocumentationCommunication

Occupational Therapist Job Market in Raleigh

Raleigh, NC is a major regional employment hub for Occupational Therapist professionals. Though smaller than coastal metros, Raleigh offers focused opportunities and often better work-life balance. The city's strong Technology and Biotechnology 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 Raleigh

State of North CarolinaCity of RaleighGoTriangleDuke Energy

Major employers hiring Occupational Therapists in Raleigh include State of North Carolina, City of Raleigh, GoTriangle, Duke Energy. With major hospital systems and research institutions, Raleigh 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 Raleigh

Living in Raleigh 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 $1,500/month (17% below the national average). At median Occupational Therapist salary, housing is quite affordable at 21% of gross income, leaving room for savings and lifestyle spending.

101
Cost Index (100=avg)
$1.5K
Avg Rent/Month
Yes
Tech Hub
Tier 2
Market Size

Commuting as a Occupational Therapist in Raleigh

Raleigh Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute time is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services. Consider living close to your workplace. Since transit options are limited, consider living close to your workplace or negotiating flexible hours to avoid peak traffic.

Best neighborhoods for Occupational Therapists in Raleigh: 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 North Carolina

North Carolina 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 Raleigh is stable. While not experiencing rapid growth, the field maintains steady demand with consistent opportunities for qualified professionals. Raleigh'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 Raleigh, NC?

The average Occupational Therapist salary in Raleigh, NC is $85,850 per year. Entry-level Occupational Therapists typically start around $60,095, while experienced professionals can earn $116,150 or more. The national average for Occupational Therapist roles is $85,000.

How many Occupational Therapist jobs are available in Raleigh?

Raleigh has a strong job market with regular openings for Occupational Therapist professionals. Major employers hiring Occupational Therapists include State of North Carolina, City of Raleigh, GoTriangle, Duke Energy. The Technology and Biotechnology sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is Raleigh a good city for Occupational Therapists?

Raleigh is an excellent 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 technology industry creates strong demand for healthcare professionals.

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

Top skills for Occupational Therapists in Raleigh 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 Raleigh?

Raleigh's cost of living is near the national average (101% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,500/month. Purchasing power in Raleigh is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for Occupational Therapists in Raleigh?

Raleigh Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services.

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