Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Daphne, AL: $45.44 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Daphne, AL runs $45.44 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $94,504 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Daphne's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.9, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $51.69 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $56,708 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Daphne, Alabama, the occupational therapist hourly pay rests at a median rate of $45.44, which is below the national median of $49.71. This means that part-time therapists working three days a week could expect to earn around $1,090 per week, making the profession accessible to those pursuing flexible schedules in various settings such as hospital rehab units, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient clinics. Entry-level positions offer an hourly wage starting at $32.38, while experienced professionals, particularly those with specialty credentials like the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT), can earn upwards of $59.86. These hourly rates are reflective of broader trends derived from annual salary estimates, emphasizing that even with diverse working environments, compensation remains competitive yet varies significantly across experience levels.
About the Daphne Market
Salary estimated from Alabama average ($85,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32.38 | $259.05 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.79 | $294.34 |
| Median (P50) | $45.44 | $363.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.71 | $405.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59.86 | $478.86 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Daphne
Based on $45.44/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $45.44/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Daphne, AL can expect to earn approximately $94,513 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $54,527. With a cost-of-living index of 87.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Daphne.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Daphne
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,817.57 | $7,876 | $94,513 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,090.54 | $4,726 | $56,708 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $727.03 | $3,150 | $37,805 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Daphne) | $45.44 |
| 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 Daphne, AL earn a median of $94,504 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.60% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 2.20% below the Alabama state average of $96,630.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $45.44/hr = $56,708/year (purchasing power: $64,514).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $94,513/year (purchasing power: $107,524).
CoL index: 87.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$49.11/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$44.09/hr
2026 Current Est.
$45.44/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+-4.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Daphne (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49.11/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $37.92/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.84/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.09/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $42.35/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.13/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $44.09/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45.44/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46.83/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Daphne grew -10.2% from $49.11/hr (2019) to $44.09/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $46.83/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 Daphne 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 Daphne
For those considering part-time or per-diem positions in Daphne, a typical occupational therapist working 24 hours a week could realistically net around $62,240 annually, substantially less than their full-time counterparts but still manageable for many. Per-diem occupational therapist pay in Daphne ranges considerably, with many billing between $50 and $75 per hour, and highly specialized hand therapists potentially commanding rates from $80 to $110 in cash-pay practices. The variance across different employment types—like skilled nursing facilities versus school district contracts—explains why some therapists may choose lower hourly rates for the security of benefits. For those negotiating hourly pay in Daphne, emphasizing specialized skills or flexible scheduling can provide leverage to achieve more favorable compensation. Understanding these dynamics is essential, as the hourly market reflects both the unique needs of local employers and the overall health of the occupational therapy field in the area.
More salary data for Daphne, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Daphne in 2026?
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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 Daphne. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Daphne is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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