Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Greensboro, NC: $47.97 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Greensboro, NC runs $47.97 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $99,783 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Greensboro's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.9, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $51.66 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $59,872 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Occupational therapists in Greensboro, North Carolina earn a median hourly rate of $47.97, which is slightly lower than the national median of $49.71. This pay structure translates well for various working arrangements, especially for part-time therapists who typically work three days a week. In typical settings, such as hospital rehab units and skilled nursing facilities, an occupational therapist can expect a wide hourly range, from entry-level pay of $29.31 (P10) to the higher earners, who can make up to $57.98 (P90). Such compensation reflects the growing demand for occupational therapy services and hints at a solid workforce of approximately 270 professionals in the area. This data comes from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates, providing a reliable overview of the industry's financial context.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29.31 | $234.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.06 | $312.48 |
| Median (P50) | $47.97 | $383.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.99 | $407.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57.98 | $463.85 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Greensboro
Based on $47.97/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.97/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Greensboro, NC can expect to earn approximately $99,787 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $57,569. With a cost-of-living index of 92.86 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Greensboro.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Greensboro
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,918.98 | $8,316 | $99,787 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,151.39 | $4,989 | $59,872 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $767.59 | $3,326 | $39,915 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Greensboro) | $47.97 |
| 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 Greensboro, NC earn a median of $99,783 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.50% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 12.00% above the North Carolina state average of $89,092.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.97/hr = $59,872/year (purchasing power: $64,472).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $99,787/year (purchasing power: $107,454).
CoL index: 92.865 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$41.84/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.55/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.97/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+18.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Greensboro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41.84/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $42.84/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $45.96/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $43.82/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $45.38/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $46.20/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.55/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.97/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.44/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Greensboro grew 11.3% from $41.84/hr (2019) to $46.55/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.44/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 Greensboro 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 Greensboro
Part-time occupational therapists working 24 hours a week in Greensboro can realize a consistent earning potential. When calculated annually, they can bring home about $59,999, which highlights a significant difference compared to those choosing full-time employment. In addition, per-diem occupational therapists in Greensboro tend to bill in higher ranges, often between $50-$75 an hour, with certified hand therapists earning a premium of $80-$110 in cash-pay practices, making per diem roles appealing. Additionally, the hourly rates for occupational therapy can shift depending on employer settings, with skilled nursing facilities and outpatient clinics offering differing rates compared to school contracts or early intervention programs. Furthermore, with some therapists opting for positions with health benefits, negotiation becomes vital. A solid local approach to negotiating can help those in the field capitalize on their skills while weighing the trade-offs between hourly rates and additional benefits.
More salary data for Greensboro, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Greensboro in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Greensboro?
Are occupational therapists in Greensboro paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Greensboro?
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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 Greensboro. 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