Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Scottsbluff, NE: $43.66 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Scottsbluff, NE runs $43.66 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $90,795 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Scottsbluff's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $47.71 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $54,483 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Scottsbluff, Nebraska, the projected median hourly pay for occupational therapists is $43.66, which positions it below the national median of $49.71. This wage provides substantial opportunities for both part-time and per-diem occupational therapists, as settings such as hospital rehab units, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient hand therapy clinics often seek flexibility. With an hourly range between $31.69 at entry-level positions to $52.67 for top earners, the potential for earnings varies widely based on experience and setting. For those entering the profession or working part-time, such as three days a week, this hourly rate could translate into reliable income while allowing for a balanced work-life application in the various therapy environments throughout the city.
About the Scottsbluff Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($84,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31.69 | $253.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.31 | $306.46 |
| Median (P50) | $43.66 | $349.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.60 | $388.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.67 | $421.39 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Scottsbluff
Based on $43.66/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $43.66/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Scottsbluff, NE can expect to earn approximately $90,805 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $52,387. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Scottsbluff.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Scottsbluff
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,746.25 | $7,567 | $90,805 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,047.75 | $4,540 | $54,483 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $698.50 | $3,027 | $36,322 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Scottsbluff) | $43.66 |
| 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 Scottsbluff, NE earn a median of $90,795 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.19% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 4.00% below the Nebraska state average of $94,578.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $43.66/hr = $54,483/year (purchasing power: $59,544).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $90,805/year (purchasing power: $99,240).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$35.87/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$42.36/hr
2026 Current Est.
$43.66/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Scottsbluff (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35.87/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $36.43/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.13/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $39.34/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $40.69/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.46/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $42.36/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43.66/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.99/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Scottsbluff grew 18.1% from $35.87/hr (2019) to $42.36/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.99/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 Scottsbluff 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 Scottsbluff
When considering the earnings potential for part-time occupational therapists in Scottsbluff, working 24 hours a week can yield a substantial annual income, though it will inherently be less than that of full-time practitioners. Per-diem occupational therapists can significantly capitalize on their expertise, billing between $50 and $75 per hour in certain scenarios; those with a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential may earn an even higher rate of $80 to $110 per hour, particularly in cash-pay practices. Location and employer types also influence compensation, with varying rates offered at skilled nursing facilities, outpatient therapy clinics, and schools. Furthermore, many occupational therapists may opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits such as health insurance, a trade-off that needs thoughtful consideration. Negotiating salary based on experience, specialization, and the unique needs of local employers is advisable for those navigating the hourly landscape in Scottsbluff.
More salary data for Scottsbluff, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Scottsbluff in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Scottsbluff?
Are occupational therapists in Scottsbluff paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Scottsbluff?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Scottsbluff?
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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 Scottsbluff. 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 Scottsbluff 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