Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Statesville, NC: $42.46 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Statesville, NC runs $42.46 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $88,324 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Statesville's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $45.36 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,991 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Statesville, North Carolina, the projected hourly pay for occupational therapists is set at $42.46 in 2026. This rate is notably lower than the national median of $49.71, reflecting potential differences in the area’s cost of living and job market conditions. For occupational therapists working part-time, such as those in hospital rehab units or school therapy rooms, this translates to a comfortable income while maintaining a work-life balance; for instance, someone working three days a week can expect substantial take-home pay. The hourly wage range varies significantly among practitioners, starting at $31.26 for entry-level positions and rising to $54.50 as therapists gain experience and specialize, particularly in high-demand fields like hand therapy. These estimates are derived from annual salary data but provide a comprehensive view of what therapists can expect in their hourly pay in Statesville.
About the Statesville Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31.26 | $250.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.11 | $280.90 |
| Median (P50) | $42.46 | $339.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.02 | $392.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54.50 | $435.99 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Statesville
Based on $42.46/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.46/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Statesville, NC can expect to earn approximately $88,318 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,953. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Statesville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Statesville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,698.43 | $7,360 | $88,318 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,019.06 | $4,416 | $52,991 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $679.37 | $2,944 | $35,327 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Statesville) | $42.46 |
| 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 Statesville, NC earn a median of $88,324 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.58% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 0.80% below the North Carolina state average of $89,037.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.46/hr = $52,991/year (purchasing power: $56,614).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $88,318/year (purchasing power: $94,357).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$34.88/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.20/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.46/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Statesville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.88/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.43/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.14/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.26/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $39.57/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.06/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.20/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.46/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.76/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Statesville grew 18.1% from $34.88/hr (2019) to $41.20/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.76/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 Statesville 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 Statesville
Examining the income potential for a part-time occupational therapist in Statesville reveals distinct differences when compared to full-time positions. Working a 24-hour week yields annual earnings that may feel manageable, yet full-time therapists can significantly increase their income through additional client hours, often leading to better financial stability. In per-diem settings, occupational therapists may earn between $50 and $75 per hour, while those with Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credentials can command impressive rates of $80 to $110 at cash-pay practices. Travel occupational therapy contracts can further amplify pay, offering $1,800 to $2,800 weekly. However, the disparities in hourly rates across various employer types—such as skilled nursing facilities versus school districts—mean that many therapists may opt for positions with lower pay to secure benefits like health insurance. Negotiating for better hourly rates requires a thoughtful approach, considering both compensation and benefits to create a balanced work experience tailored to individual needs in the Statesville area.
More salary data for Statesville, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Statesville in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Statesville?
Are occupational therapists in Statesville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Statesville?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Statesville?
Related Pages
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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 Statesville. 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 Statesville 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