isworthit

Is Occupational Therapy a Good Career in Maryland?

Maryland · 2026 BLS salary data

Occupational Therapy pay in Maryland

The median wage is $106,980/yr — 7% above the national median. Among U.S. states, Marylandranks #6 of 51 states by median pay.

The numbers in Maryland

Real BLS state-level figures for Occupational Therapy.

Median salary
$106,980/yr
Pay range (25th–75th)
$87,650 – $123,700
National median
$100,330/yr
Employed in Maryland
2,390

Source: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics (OEWS), state estimates, May 2025 release.

What that pay is really worth in Maryland

Salary alone can mislead — Maryland costs 5% more than the U.S. average. Here's the median adjusted for local prices (real purchasing power).

Cost of living (US=100)
105
Nominal median
$106,980
Adjusted for cost of living
≈ $101,886
State income tax
Up to 5.75%

Maryland's high pay is offset by cost of living — adjusted for prices it ranks #26 of 51, down from #6 on raw salary.

Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities (all items, US=100), 2024. Adjusted pay = nominal median ÷ (RPP/100) — purchasing power vs the U.S. average. State income tax = top marginal rate on wage income (Tax Foundation, 2025); your effective rate is lower and depends on income and deductions; some localities also levy income tax.

The verdict, pros, and cons below apply to Occupational Therapy nationally — Maryland pay is 7% above the national median. See the full Occupational Therapy career guide →

The verdict

Yes — occupational therapy combines strong pay, much-faster-than-average growth, and highly meaningful work. The main hurdle is the required master's or doctorate and the debt that comes with it.

Pros & cons

Pros

  • Strong, above-median pay
  • Much-faster-than-average projected growth
  • Deeply meaningful, hands-on rehabilitation work
  • Varied settings and populations
  • Good work-life balance relative to many health roles

Cons

  • Requires a master's or doctorate (OTD)
  • Significant graduate debt
  • Physically active, sometimes demanding
  • Productivity pressure in some clinics

Who it's for

✓ A good fit if…

  • People wanting meaningful, hands-on health care
  • Those who can invest in a graduate degree
  • Anyone valuing autonomy and patient relationships

✗ Probably not if…

  • People unwilling to pursue graduate study
  • Those seeking a fast, cheap entry

What people are actually asking

Real Reddit discussions on whether Occupational Therapy is worth it — titles link to the original threads.