Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Wooster, OH: $47.12 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Wooster, OH runs $47.12 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $98,017 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Wooster's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $51.95 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $58,805 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wooster, Ohio, the projected occupational therapist hourly pay for 2026 stands at $47.12, which is slightly below the national median hourly rate of $49.71. This figure reflects the local market conditions and is relevant for both full-time and part-time positions in various therapeutic settings, including hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient clinics. For part-time workers typically practicing three days a week, the hourly rate can significantly expand earning potential without the commitments of a full-time schedule. The hourly range for occupational therapists in Wooster ranges from $36.45 at the entry-level to $61.12 for top earners, indicating a variety of opportunities within the profession, which caters to a diverse clientele in need of rehabilitation services.
About the Wooster Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36.45 | $291.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.42 | $323.36 |
| Median (P50) | $47.12 | $376.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53.01 | $424.11 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61.12 | $489.00 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wooster
Based on $47.12/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.12/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wooster, OH can expect to earn approximately $98,008 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $56,543. With a cost-of-living index of 90.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wooster.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wooster
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,884.76 | $8,167 | $98,008 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,130.86 | $4,900 | $58,805 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $753.90 | $3,267 | $39,203 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Wooster) | $47.12 |
| 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 Wooster, OH earn a median of $98,017 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.21% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 3.20% below the Ohio state average of $101,258.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.12/hr = $58,805/year (purchasing power: $64,834).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $98,008/year (purchasing power: $108,057).
CoL index: 90.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$38.71/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$45.72/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.12/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Wooster (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38.71/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $39.32/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.99/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $42.46/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $43.92/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.13/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $45.72/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.12/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48.56/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Wooster grew 18.1% from $38.71/hr (2019) to $45.72/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $48.56/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 Wooster 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 Wooster
The financial landscape for occupational therapists in Wooster illustrates a compelling case for part-time and per-diem work. A part-time therapist working 24 hours weekly could expect to earn around $58,502 annually, while full-time practice would yield significantly more. For those considering per diem opportunities, pay rates typically range from $50 to $75 per hour, with highly specialized roles, such as Certified Hand Therapists (CHTs), cultivating even higher rates of $80 to $110 per hour. Various employer types influence compensation rates; for instance, skilled nursing facilities may offer different pay scales compared to early intervention programs or outpatient clinics. This sector often trades off lower hourly wages for benefits like health insurance, especially appealing to those seeking stability in their careers. Occupational therapists in Wooster should be prepared to negotiate hourly rates effectively, bearing in mind the local market and the healthcare facility's budget constraints. Understanding this dynamic can greatly enhance earning potential and job satisfaction in the field.
More salary data for Wooster, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Wooster in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Wooster?
Are occupational therapists in Wooster paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Wooster?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Wooster?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
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 Wooster. 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 Wooster 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