Occupational Therapist Salary in Maryland (2026)
Median Occupational Therapist salary in Maryland is approximately $102,600/year — about 8.0% above the national average.
Annual salary breakdown
After-tax estimate
| State | Estimated annual | vs Maryland |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | $104,500 | +$1,900 |
| Washington | $104,500 | +$1,900 |
| Colorado | $99,800 | -$2,800 |
| New Hampshire | $99,800 | -$2,800 |
Occupational Therapist salaries in Maryland, explained
The estimated median Occupational Therapist salary in Maryland is $102,600/year, which is about 8.0% above the US national median of $95,000. That works out to roughly $49/hour at a standard 40-hour week, $1,973/week, $3,946/biweekly, or $8,550/month before taxes.
Maryland ranks 10 of 51 US states (including DC) on a cost-of-living-adjusted compensation basis. The state multiplier of 1.08× reflects how typical wages adjust to local prices — higher in places like California, New York, and Massachusetts; lower in Mississippi, West Virginia, and Arkansas.
Maryland spotlight: economy and Occupational Therapist role context
Federal government and biotech concentration; high household income. Economically, biotech and defense dominate. From a cost-of-living standpoint, this is an above-average-cost state, which directly informs how regional employers price Occupational Therapist roles — higher COL areas adjust salaries upward to remain competitive in the labor market.
Federal government and biotech concentration, with significant biotech sector employment. Notable area employers include Lockheed Martin, Marriott, Under Armour, which often pay above the state median for Occupational Therapists working in the industry.
Combined with the state's higher cost of living (above national average), state income tax further reduces real disposable income compared to no-tax states like Texas, Florida, or Tennessee. Run scenarios with our after-tax calculator before relocating.
What affects your actual salary
- Experience level: entry-level often 25–35% below median, senior roles 40–60%+ above.
- Metro area within Maryland: major metros pay more than rural areas. Bay Area vs Central Valley California is a 30%+ swing.
- Employer size: large companies typically pay 10–20% more than small businesses for the same role.
- Industry: a Software Engineer at a tech company makes more than at a non-tech employer; a Marketing Manager at a top brand earns more than at a startup.
- Education and credentials: degrees and certifications can shift compensation by 15–30%.
- Negotiation: simply asking for more and negotiating can move offers 5–15%.
Take-home pay in Maryland
Of the gross $102,600, you take home roughly $75,257 after federal income tax (~14% effective at this income level), FICA (7.65%), and Maryland's state income tax (roughly 5% effective). That's about $6,271/month after-tax.
For a precise after-tax calculation including 401(k) contributions, HSA, filing status, and state-specific brackets, use our Maryland Paycheck Calculator. For comparisons across cities, see the Paycheck Calculator with city-specific tax data.
Where this number comes from
Our estimate combines: (1) US national median for Occupational Therapist based on Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, and (2) Maryland's cost-of-living multiplier derived from BEA Regional Price Parities. The multiplier captures average wage adjustment to local prices — useful for budgeting and offer comparisons.
For more precise numbers specific to your role and metro: BLS OES (bls.gov/oes), Glassdoor, Levels.fyi (tech roles), salary.com, or LinkedIn Salary Insights. Cross-reference 2-3 sources before negotiation.
Related tools
Salary Calculator — convert hourly to annual. Maryland Paycheck Calculator — exact take-home. Income Tax Calculator — federal tax with brackets. Maryland Mortgage Calculator — what you can afford. Investment Calculator — long-term growth from this income.