Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Baltimore, MD: $52.27 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Baltimore, MD runs $52.27 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $108,718 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Baltimore's regional price level (BEA RPP 104.5, 4% above national), each hour of work buys what $50.03 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $65,235 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Baltimore, occupational therapists earn a median hourly rate of $52.27, surpassing the national median of $49.71. This competitive rate translates well for various work arrangements, making it suitable for part-time positions at rehabilitation hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient clinics. Individuals opting to work three days a week (around 24 hours) can enjoy a substantial income without the typical full-time commitment. The hourly pay range for occupational therapists in this area spans from $36.69 for entry-level roles to $63.90 for top earners, as per the official Bureau of Labor Statistics data. This data highlights the flexibility of the profession, accommodating both per-diem and part-time workers across diverse settings such as home health visits and school therapy rooms.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36.69 | $293.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.35 | $338.78 |
| Median (P50) | $52.27 | $418.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59.31 | $474.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63.90 | $511.18 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Baltimore
Based on $52.27/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $52.27/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Baltimore, MD can expect to earn approximately $108,726 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $62,726. With a cost-of-living index of 104.49 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Baltimore.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Baltimore
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,090.88 | $9,060 | $108,726 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,254.53 | $5,436 | $65,235 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $836.35 | $3,624 | $43,490 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Baltimore) | $52.27 |
| 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 Baltimore, MD earn a median of $108,718 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.14% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 3.80% below the Maryland state average of $113,012.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $52.27/hr = $65,235/year (purchasing power: $62,434).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $108,726/year (purchasing power: $104,057).
CoL index: 104.487 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$42.55/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$50.72/hr
2026 Current Est.
$52.27/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Baltimore (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42.55/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $39.84/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.03/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $46.25/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $48.12/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $47.77/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $50.72/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52.27/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53.87/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Baltimore grew 19.2% from $42.55/hr (2019) to $50.72/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $53.87/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 Baltimore 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 Baltimore
For those considering a part-time schedule, working as an occupational therapist three days a week can yield a respectable income, approximately $61,400 annually based on 24 hours a week. In contrast, full-time therapists can expect to earn a significantly higher annual income tied to their hourly work. Per diem occupational therapist pay in Baltimore often varies, with rates typically between $50 and $75 per hour. Those specializing in hand therapy, especially with a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) designation, can command even more, reaching $80 to $110 per hour in cash-pay practices. While various employers, including skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies, may offer different hourly rates, higher pay sometimes comes with the trade-off of fewer benefits. Prospective OTs should strategize their negotiations, considering the value of health benefits versus higher per-hour rates, especially with the transition to a doctoral-level requirement expected by 2027 for entry-level practitioners.
More salary data for Baltimore, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Baltimore in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Baltimore?
Are occupational therapists in Baltimore paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Baltimore?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Baltimore?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Maryland
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 Baltimore. 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