Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Ann Arbor, MI: $47.54 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Ann Arbor, MI runs $47.54 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $98,886 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Ann Arbor's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.9, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $47.13 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $59,332 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Ann Arbor, the occupational therapist hourly pay is projected to be $47.54 in 2026, which is slightly lower than the national median of $49.71. This pay scale provides a significant opportunity for part-time therapists, particularly those working three days a week in various settings such as hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, or school therapy rooms. For per-diem occupational therapists in the area, this translates into a competitive landscape for flexible hours and income possibilities. The hourly wage ranges from approximately $36.33 at the entry-level to around $52.00 for top earners, reflecting a broad spectrum of experience. Such figures are drawn from official BLS hourly data and highlight how this field can accommodate distinct preferences for work-life balance and flexible scheduling.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36.33 | $290.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.44 | $315.53 |
| Median (P50) | $47.54 | $380.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51.06 | $408.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.00 | $416.03 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ann Arbor
Based on $47.54/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.54/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ann Arbor, MI can expect to earn approximately $98,886 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $57,050. With a cost-of-living index of 100.88 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Ann Arbor.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ann Arbor
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,901.66 | $8,241 | $98,886 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,141.00 | $4,944 | $59,332 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $760.67 | $3,296 | $39,555 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Ann Arbor) | $47.54 |
| 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 Ann Arbor, MI earn a median of $98,886 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.37% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 12.20% above the Michigan state average of $88,134.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.54/hr = $59,332/year (purchasing power: $58,814).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $98,886/year (purchasing power: $98,024).
CoL index: 100.88 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$39.42/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.13/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.54/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Ann Arbor (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.42/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.11/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.99/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $39.16/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $45.53/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.34/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.13/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.54/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.00/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Ann Arbor grew 17.0% from $39.42/hr (2019) to $46.13/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.00/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 Ann Arbor 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 Ann Arbor
Evaluating the earning potential of part-time occupational therapists in Ann Arbor reveals intriguing insights. A professional working a typical 24-hour week could take home around $59,600 annually, a stark contrast to a full-time role, which might yield nearly double that amount. The flexibility of per-diem contracts offers a lucrative alternative, with therapists commonly billing anywhere from $50 to $75 an hour. Those holding a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential can often command rates as high as $80 to $110 per hour in cash-pay scenarios. In Ann Arbor, the hourly rates can vary significantly based on the type of employer, with skilled nursing facilities, hospital settings, and outpatient clinics offering different compensation packages. While some therapists may opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance, others might prefer the higher, benefit-free rates available in travel assignments or agency contracts. Understanding these dynamics can empower occupational therapists to negotiate better pay as they enter or progress within the field.
More salary data for Ann Arbor, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Ann Arbor in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Ann Arbor?
Are occupational therapists in Ann Arbor paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Ann Arbor?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Ann Arbor?
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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 Ann Arbor. 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