Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Romulus, MI: $39.20 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Romulus, MI runs $39.20 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $81,535 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Romulus's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $42.06 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,927 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapists in Romulus, MI, earn a median hourly rate of $39.20, which is notably lower than the national median of $49.71. This disparity illustrates the financial landscape in which OTs practice, particularly in typical settings like hospital rehab units, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient therapy clinics. For part-time occupational therapists working three days a week, this hourly rate can result in significant earnings across a variety of contract and per-diem positions. With an hourly range starting at $30.54 for entry-level positions and peaking at $48.25 for top earners, those new to the field, as well as seasoned professionals, can find various opportunities that align with their career goals. It is essential to recognize that these hourly figures are estimated from annual salary data, highlighting a realistic snapshot of compensation in Romulus.
About the Romulus Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($86,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30.54 | $244.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.48 | $267.87 |
| Median (P50) | $39.20 | $313.63 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.23 | $353.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.25 | $386.02 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Romulus
Based on $39.20/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.20/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Romulus, MI can expect to earn approximately $81,544 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,045. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Romulus.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Romulus
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,568.16 | $6,795 | $81,544 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $940.90 | $4,077 | $48,927 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $627.26 | $2,718 | $32,618 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Romulus) | $39.20 |
| 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 Romulus, MI earn a median of $81,535 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.15% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 7.50% below the Michigan state average of $88,146.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.20/hr = $48,927/year (purchasing power: $52,496).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $81,544/year (purchasing power: $87,494).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$32.21/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.04/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.20/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Romulus (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.21/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.71/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.44/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.33/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.54/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.64/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.04/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.20/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.40/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Romulus grew 18.1% from $32.21/hr (2019) to $38.04/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.40/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 Romulus 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 Romulus
Exploring part-time potential, an occupational therapist in Romulus who works 24 hours a week could take home around $61,158 annually compared to a full-time position, which might yield closer to $81,535. The per-diem occupational therapist pay in Romulus often fluctuates between $50-$75/hour, making this an attractive option for those who can leverage flexibility. Moreover, CHT-credentialed hand therapists have the potential to command even higher wages, often billing $80-$110 per hour in specialized settings. The variation in hourly pay can be attributed to the type of employer—skilled nursing facilities and educational contracts may offer lower pay but include benefits, while home health and outpatient clinics may compensate more but without added perks. For those negotiating hourly rates, knowing the value of their credentials, especially with emerging requirements for entry-level OTD and specialization, can provide the leverage necessary to secure a sustainable and fulfilling career in occupational therapy within Romulus.
More salary data for Romulus, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Romulus in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Romulus?
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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 Romulus. 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 Romulus 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