Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Billings, MT: $42.29 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Billings, MT runs $42.29 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $87,951 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Billings's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.5, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $45.21 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,772 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
With a projected median hourly pay of $42.29 for occupational therapists in Billings, Montana, professionals in this field earn notably less than the national median of $49.71 per hour. This disparity may affect both part-time and per-diem occupational therapists, especially in typical settings such as hospital rehabilitation units or outpatient clinics, where hourly rates can significantly influence take-home earnings. The hourly pay range in Billings spans from $35.97 at the lower end to $52.35 for the highest earners. Official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data highlights the opportunities for those entering the profession as well as for seasoned therapists, providing a meaningful income potential for both full-time and flexible work arrangements.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35.97 | $287.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.85 | $310.83 |
| Median (P50) | $42.29 | $338.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.07 | $400.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.35 | $418.84 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Billings
Based on $42.29/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.29/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Billings, MT can expect to earn approximately $87,954 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,743. With a cost-of-living index of 93.53 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Billings.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Billings
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,691.42 | $7,329 | $87,954 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,014.85 | $4,398 | $52,772 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $676.57 | $2,932 | $35,182 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Billings) | $42.29 |
| 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 Billings, MT earn a median of $87,951 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.94% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 11.60% below the Montana state average of $99,493.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.29/hr = $52,772/year (purchasing power: $56,425).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $87,954/year (purchasing power: $94,042).
CoL index: 93.526 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$34.74/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.03/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.29/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Billings (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.74/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $37.96/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $39.10/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $40.66/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $42.21/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.63/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.03/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.29/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.58/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Billings grew 18.1% from $34.74/hr (2019) to $41.03/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.58/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 Billings 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 Billings
When considering the annual income of a part-time occupational therapist in Billings working three days a week, totaling approximately 24 hours, it becomes clear that the earning potential differs significantly from a full-time position. This role typically provides around $52,016 annually for part-time work, which contrasts sharply with what full-time therapists take home. Additionally, per diem occupational therapist pay in Billings can be more lucrative, with practitioners commonly billing between $50 and $75 an hour, while certified hand therapists, holding a CHT credential, may earn between $80 and $110 per hour in cash-pay practices. Various employer types, such as skilled nursing facilities and early intervention programs, can further affect typical hourly wages, presenting a trade-off between higher hourly rates with no benefits and lower rates with health insurance. For those negotiating in Billings, it may be advantageous to consider these factors carefully, weighing the value of employer-provided benefits against the hourly rate they offer.
More salary data for Billings, MT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Billings in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Billings?
Are occupational therapists in Billings paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Billings?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Billings?
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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 Billings. 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, 6-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