Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Great Falls, MT: $39.83 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Great Falls, MT runs $39.83 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $82,850 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Great Falls's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.8, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $41.13 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,711 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Great Falls, MT, occupational therapists earn a median hourly rate of $39.83. This figure is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $49.71, indicating a substantial regional difference in compensation. For those practicing part-time—perhaps in settings like outpatient hand therapy clinics or skilled nursing facilities—this hourly rate can translate to varying earnings. Part-time workers often find schedules that suit their lifestyle, such as three days a week, which could yield significant income while allowing for flexibility. The hourly range for occupational therapy practitioners in Great Falls starts at about $38.54 for entry-level positions and can extend up to $52.61 for top earners, reflecting growth opportunities as therapists gain experience and specializations.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.54 | $308.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.23 | $313.88 |
| Median (P50) | $39.83 | $318.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.41 | $403.25 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.61 | $420.90 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Great Falls
Based on $39.83/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.83/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Great Falls, MT can expect to earn approximately $82,852 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,799. With a cost-of-living index of 96.84 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Great Falls.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Great Falls
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,593.31 | $6,904 | $82,852 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $955.98 | $4,143 | $49,711 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $637.32 | $2,762 | $33,141 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Great Falls) | $39.83 |
| 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 Great Falls, MT earn a median of $82,850 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.87% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 16.70% below the Montana state average of $99,460.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.83/hr = $49,711/year (purchasing power: $51,331).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $82,852/year (purchasing power: $85,551).
CoL index: 96.845 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$36.20/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.65/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.83/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+13.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Great Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36.20/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $37.90/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.23/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $39.26/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $39.04/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.33/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.65/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.83/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.05/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Great Falls grew 6.8% from $36.20/hr (2019) to $38.65/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.05/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 Great Falls 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 Great Falls
Considering the potential earnings of part-time occupational therapists versus their full-time counterparts reveals significant differences. A typical occupational therapist working 24 hours per week may take home significantly less annually than someone in a full-time role. Per diem occupational therapist pay in Great Falls often ranges from $50 to $75 an hour, with travel contracts sometimes exceeding $1,800 to $2,800 per week. Differences also arise based on employer type. While skilled nursing facilities may offer lower rates, they also provide essential benefits, which may not be the case for those pursuing freelance or contract work. Negotiations for hourly pay can be pivotal; some therapists may accept lower compensation in exchange for health benefits. Understanding the local market dynamics can empower practitioners to make informed decisions about their career paths in this evolving field, particularly with the upcoming changes in accreditation and credentialing standards from AOTA and NBCOT.
More salary data for Great Falls, MT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Great Falls in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Great Falls?
Are occupational therapists in Great Falls paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Great Falls?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Great Falls?
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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 Great Falls. 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