Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Hutchinson, KS: $44.20 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Hutchinson, KS runs $44.20 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $91,948 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Hutchinson's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $48.63 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $55,165 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the occupational therapist hourly pay in Hutchinson, Kansas, is projected to hit $44.20, which is approximately 11.08% lower than the national median hourly rate of $49.71. This rate opens various opportunities for both part-time and per-diem occupational therapists, who often work in diverse settings such as hospital rehab units, skilled nursing facilities, school therapy rooms, and home health visits. For those considering a part-time schedule of about three days a week, this hourly rate can translate to a comfortable income, although it may be less than what full-time therapists earn. The hourly range for occupational therapists in Hutchinson spans from approximately $33.66 for entry-level practitioners to $58.27 for top earners, making it a field with potential growth as skills and experience accumulate. Keep in mind that these figures are estimates formulated from annual salary projections, giving a comprehensive picture of expected earnings.
About the Hutchinson Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($85,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33.66 | $269.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.52 | $300.19 |
| Median (P50) | $44.20 | $353.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.36 | $394.84 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $58.27 | $466.16 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hutchinson
Based on $44.20/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $44.20/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hutchinson, KS can expect to earn approximately $91,941 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $53,043. With a cost-of-living index of 90.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Hutchinson.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hutchinson
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,768.10 | $7,662 | $91,941 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,060.86 | $4,597 | $55,165 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $707.24 | $3,065 | $36,776 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Hutchinson) | $44.20 |
| 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 Hutchinson, KS earn a median of $91,948 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.08% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 2.20% below the Kansas state average of $94,016.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $44.20/hr = $55,165/year (purchasing power: $60,687).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $91,941/year (purchasing power: $101,145).
CoL index: 90.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$36.32/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$42.89/hr
2026 Current Est.
$44.20/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Hutchinson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36.32/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $36.88/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.58/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $39.83/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $41.20/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.34/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $42.89/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44.20/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45.56/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Hutchinson grew 18.1% from $36.32/hr (2019) to $42.89/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $45.56/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 Hutchinson 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 Hutchinson
Looking into the earning potential for part-time occupational therapists, someone working 24 hours a week in Hutchinson would have a different annual take-home compared to their full-time counterparts. Per-diem occupational therapists typically find themselves billing between $50 to $75 per hour and those with CHT credentials in hand therapy can earn anywhere from $80 to $110 per hour in cash-pay settings. Travel contract positions also present lucrative possibilities, with weekly earnings ranging from $1,800 to $2,800. Hourly rates can fluctuate significantly based on the type of employer—be it a skilled nursing facility, school district contract, or outpatient clinic—each offering unique benefits and pay structures. Some therapists may opt for lower hourly wages that include health insurance benefits versus a higher pay rate without benefits. For those seeking employment in Hutchinson, practical negotiation strategies can include emphasizing specialized skills, such as certifications from NBCOT or the importance of an entry-level OTD, to position themselves better for higher pay in discussions with potential employers.
More salary data for Hutchinson, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Hutchinson in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Hutchinson?
Are occupational therapists in Hutchinson paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Hutchinson?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Hutchinson?
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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 Hutchinson. 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 Hutchinson 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