Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Manhattan, KS: $43.90 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Manhattan, KS runs $43.90 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $91,321 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Manhattan's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.2, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $48.69 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $54,792 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

Occupational therapists in Manhattan, KS, earn a median hourly pay of $43.90, which is notably below the national median of $49.71. This hourly rate makes it feasible for therapists working part-time, particularly those operating three days per week, to maintain a stable income while focusing on essential therapy tasks within various settings, including hospital rehab units, skilled nursing facilities, as well as schools and outpatient clinics. The hourly earnings range from $31.39 for entry-level positions to $55.70 for those at the top of their field, supporting the idea that occupational therapy offers diverse opportunities for both new entrants and seasoned professionals. These figures are drawn from official estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31.39 | $251.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.80 | $278.43 |
| Median (P50) | $43.90 | $351.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.26 | $402.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55.70 | $445.63 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Manhattan
Based on $43.90/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $43.90/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Manhattan, KS can expect to earn approximately $91,319 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $52,684. With a cost-of-living index of 90.16 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Manhattan.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Manhattan
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,756.14 | $7,610 | $91,319 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,053.69 | $4,566 | $54,792 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $702.46 | $3,044 | $36,528 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Manhattan) | $43.90 |
| 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 Manhattan, KS earn a median of $91,321 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.68% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 2.80% below the Kansas state average of $93,952.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $43.90/hr = $54,792/year (purchasing power: $60,770).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $91,319/year (purchasing power: $101,284).
CoL index: 90.162 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$36.07/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$42.60/hr
2026 Current Est.
$43.90/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Manhattan (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36.07/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $36.63/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.33/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.78/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $40.44/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.52/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $42.60/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43.90/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45.25/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Manhattan grew 18.1% from $36.07/hr (2019) to $42.60/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $45.25/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 Manhattan 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 Manhattan
In terms of part-time earning potential, an occupational therapist working a 24-hour week at the median rate would take home around $54,251 annually, reflecting a lifestyle that balances work and life commitments. Meanwhile, per diem occupational therapist pay in Manhattan can be significantly lucrative, with billing rates often ranging from $50 to $75 per hour, particularly in flexible roles that may involve travel or agency contracts. CHT-credentialed specialists often enjoy even higher rates, hitting $80 to $110 per hour in cash-pay practices. Hourly rates can vary prominently based on the employer's type—whether in skilled nursing, home health agencies, outpatient clinics, or educational settings. Some therapists may opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance, while others prefer the flexibility and potentially higher pay associated with roles that lack employer-provided advantages. For those working on an hourly basis, understanding the local job market and being prepared to negotiate terms can lead to better earning potential.
More salary data for Manhattan, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Manhattan 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 Manhattan. 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, 4-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