How Much Do Therapists Make?

Therapists earn an average annual salary of $75,660, according to recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. With over 16,000 professionals employed in this diverse field, these specialized therapists play a vital role in the health care industry, earning an average hourly wage of $36.38.

The BLS data encompasses a wide range of specialized therapeutic professionals who don't fit neatly into more common categories like physical or occupational therapy. These experts may work in fields such as art therapy, music therapy, or dance therapy, among others. They use their unique skills to help patients improve their physical, emotional, and mental well-being through creative and alternative approaches. In this article, we'll explore how salaries for these therapists vary across different locations and compare their earnings to those of related health care professions. Whether you're considering a career in specialized therapy or simply curious about the field, we'll provide valuable insights into this rewarding and diverse occupation.  

Highest Paying States for Therapists, All Other

Therapists categorized under "All Other" enjoy varying salaries across different states. The data reveals some notable trends and highlights the highest paying regions for this occupational category.

• ‍Oregon stands out as the top-paying state, offering an impressive average annual mean salary of $148,980 and an hourly mean wage of $71.63. This suggests a strong demand for therapists within the state, even though specific employment numbers are not available.
• ‍Arizona follows as a distant second, with therapists earning an average annual salary of $114,570 and an hourly wage of $55.08. The state employs approximately 140 therapists in this category, indicating moderate employment opportunities.
• ‍Alaska, South Carolina, and Nevada round out the top five, with average annual salaries ranging from $103,860 to $111,510. These states offer competitive wages but have smaller employment figures, with Alaska employing 60, South Carolina 70, and Nevada 300 therapists.

Other states such as Kentucky, North Dakota, and New Jersey offer salaries above the national average, with varying employment opportunities, making them attractive options for therapists seeking competitive compensation.  

Comparing Salaries of Various Therapy Professionals

According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, occupational therapists tend to earn the highest average salaries among the therapy occupations listed. With an annual mean wage of $96,790, they earn quite a bit more than other therapists. In comparison, speech-language pathologists have an average annual salary of $92,630, which is slightly lower but still substantial. Both of these professions have a significantly larger workforce, with 144,840 occupational therapists and 172,100 speech-language pathologists employed across the country.

On the other hand, the category labeled "Therapists, All Other," which includes different types of therapists not specified individually, has a lower average annual income of $75,660. This group also has a smaller employment figure, with 16,490 individuals working in these roles. The data highlights that while all these therapy careers offer good earning potential, there are noticeable differences in salary and employment numbers across the different specialties.  
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Bottom Line

For those considering a career as a therapist in the "All Other" category, the data reveals a dynamic and rewarding field with a range of opportunities. These specialized therapists earn an average annual salary of $75,660, contributing significantly to the health care industry by utilizing creative and alternative therapies such as art, music, and dance therapy. Here’s what prospective therapists should keep in mind:

• Diverse Opportunities: The "Therapists, All Other" category encompasses a variety of therapeutic practices that don't fit into conventional therapy roles, allowing professionals to explore unique approaches to patient care.

• Salary Variations: While the average national salary is $75,660, potential earnings can vary widely depending on location. States like Oregon and Arizona offer significantly higher salaries, with Oregon leading at an average annual salary of $148,980.

• Comparative Salaries: Although these therapists earn less on average than occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists, the field offers a distinct blend of creativity and flexibility that may appeal to those passionate about alternative therapeutic methods.

Ultimately, becoming a therapist in this category offers a fulfilling career path with competitive compensation in certain regions, making it an attractive option for individuals looking to specialize in innovative health care practices.