Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Birmingham, AL: $47.20 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Birmingham, AL runs $47.20 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $98,165 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Birmingham's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.6, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $51.51 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $58,907 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Occupational therapists in Birmingham, Alabama, earn a median hourly rate of $47.20, which slightly trails the national median of $49.71. This rate is significant for those considering part-time work or per-diem arrangements, as it translates to a competitive pay scale for working three days a week or pursuing roles in diverse settings like hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient clinics. In Birmingham, entry-level therapists can expect to earn around $38.04 per hour, while top earners in the field can make up to $62.95 per hour. This information is based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, offering an accurate glimpse into the occupational therapy landscape in Birmingham.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.04 | $304.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.70 | $333.58 |
| Median (P50) | $47.20 | $377.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55.97 | $447.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62.95 | $503.59 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Birmingham
Based on $47.20/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.20/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Birmingham, AL can expect to earn approximately $98,179 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $56,642. With a cost-of-living index of 91.64 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Birmingham.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Birmingham
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,888.06 | $8,182 | $98,179 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,132.84 | $4,909 | $58,907 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $755.22 | $3,273 | $39,272 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Birmingham) | $47.20 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (National Avg) | $33.15 |
| Physical Therapist (National Avg) | $48.65 |
| Speech-Language Pathologist (National Avg) | $43.80 |
| Recreational Therapist (National Avg) | $27.50 |
Occupational Therapists in Birmingham, AL earn a median of $98,165 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.06% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 1.60% above the Alabama state average of $96,619.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.20/hr = $58,907/year (purchasing power: $64,279).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $98,179/year (purchasing power: $107,131).
CoL index: 91.644 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$43.34/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$45.80/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.20/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+12.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Birmingham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43.34/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $43.58/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $45.97/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $41.52/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $47.20/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $48.39/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $45.80/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.20/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48.65/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Birmingham grew 5.7% from $43.34/hr (2019) to $45.80/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $48.65/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem occupational therapists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Birmingham metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.06% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Occupational Therapist in Birmingham
Considering a part-time schedule could yield an annual income of approximately $54,489 for a therapist working three days per week for 24 hours, compared to a full-time salary. The per diem occupational therapist pay in Birmingham typically ranges from $50 to $75 per hour, and specialized hand therapists with a CHT credential can command rates between $80 and $110 per hour in cash-pay practices. Different types of employers offer varying rates, with skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies often presenting lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits. Negotiation is key; therapists should inquire about health insurance options and consider the total compensation package when weighing lower hourly earnings against the security of benefits. The diverse compensation landscape reflects the broadened avenues for occupational therapy professionals in Birmingham, particularly as they adapt to shifting healthcare needs and increasing demand.
More salary data for Birmingham, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Birmingham in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Birmingham?
Are occupational therapists in Birmingham paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Birmingham?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Birmingham?
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Written by Jordan Miller, OTR/L
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in occupational therapy. They specialize in pediatrics and work in a rehabilitation clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for occupational therapists in Birmingham. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.06%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for occupational therapists (SOC 29-1122).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Miller, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov