Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Columbus, GA: $46.86 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Columbus, GA runs $46.86 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $97,474 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Columbus's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.3, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $52.48 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $58,483 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Columbus, Georgia, the occupational therapist hourly pay reflects a median rate of $46.86, which is slightly below the national median hourly rate of $49.71 for this profession. This compensation enables a range of work options, especially for part-time or per-diem occupational therapists. For professionals working three days a week, this hourly rate translates to approximately $1,870 monthly, providing adequate income for those seeking flexibility. Per-diem therapists can find opportunities in settings such as hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient clinics, where the hourly earnings can vary from $30.29 at entry-level positions to as much as $63.16 for top earners. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), based on 2025 data projected to 2026, underscores the diverse earning potential for occupational therapists in Columbus.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30.29 | $242.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.66 | $301.26 |
| Median (P50) | $46.86 | $374.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54.99 | $439.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63.16 | $505.24 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Columbus
Based on $46.86/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $46.86/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Columbus, GA can expect to earn approximately $97,472 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $56,234. With a cost-of-living index of 89.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Columbus.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Columbus
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,874.46 | $8,123 | $97,472 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,124.67 | $4,874 | $58,483 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $749.78 | $3,249 | $38,989 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Columbus) | $46.86 |
| 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 Columbus, GA earn a median of $97,474 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.73% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 4.50% below the Georgia state average of $102,067.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $46.86/hr = $58,483/year (purchasing power: $65,493).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $97,472/year (purchasing power: $109,156).
CoL index: 89.296 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$39.52/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$45.47/hr
2026 Current Est.
$46.86/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Columbus (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.52/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $48.20/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $42.24/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $45.61/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $48.05/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $46.76/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $45.47/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46.86/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48.30/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Columbus grew 15.1% from $39.52/hr (2019) to $45.47/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $48.30/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 Columbus 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 Columbus
Exploring the financial landscape for part-time occupational therapists in Columbus reveals interesting contrasts. Those working 24 hours a week can expect to take home about $44,400 annually, significantly less than their full-time counterparts. Per diem occupational therapists have the potential to earn between $50 and $75 per hour, with specialized hand therapists who are certified in CHT earning even higher rates, ranging from $80 to $110 per hour within private practices. Travel contracts can boost income, with weekly pay varying from $1,800 to $2,800 depending on the assignment. Furthermore, hourly rates may differ based on specific employers, where skilled nursing facilities often provide lower hourly pay in exchange for benefits, while outpatient clinics may offer higher rates without additional perks. Occupational therapists in Columbus should be prepared to negotiate based on these variables, weighing the advantages of benefits against potential higher hourly earnings in less stable positions.
More salary data for Columbus, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Columbus in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Columbus?
Are occupational therapists in Columbus paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Columbus?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Columbus?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Georgia
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 Columbus. 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