Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Ponca City, OK: $41.06 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Ponca City, OK runs $41.06 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $85,402 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Ponca City's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.9, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $46.19 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,242 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Ponca City, Oklahoma, the projected occupational therapist hourly pay for 2026 stands at $41.06. This figure is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $49.71, reflecting a regional pay disparity that can impact the attraction and retention of skilled therapists. For those seeking flexible work arrangements, such as part-time positions (around three days a week), or per diem work in environments like hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, or outpatient clinics, this hourly rate remains essential. Entry-level occupational therapists in Ponca City can expect to earn approximately $32.30 per hour, while more experienced professionals can make up to $50.89 hourly, creating an appealing range for varying levels of expertise and commitment.
About the Ponca City Market
Salary estimated from Oklahoma average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32.30 | $258.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.31 | $282.47 |
| Median (P50) | $41.06 | $328.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.55 | $372.42 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.89 | $407.13 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ponca City
Based on $41.06/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.06/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ponca City, OK can expect to earn approximately $85,403 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,271. With a cost-of-living index of 88.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Ponca City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ponca City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,642.36 | $7,117 | $85,403 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $985.42 | $4,270 | $51,242 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $656.95 | $2,847 | $34,161 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Ponca City) | $41.06 |
| 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 Ponca City, OK earn a median of $85,402 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.41% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 7.10% below the Oklahoma state average of $91,929.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.06/hr = $51,242/year (purchasing power: $57,640).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $85,403/year (purchasing power: $96,066).
CoL index: 88.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$33.73/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.84/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.06/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Ponca City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.73/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.26/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.98/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.00/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.27/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.94/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.84/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.06/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.32/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Ponca City grew 18.1% from $33.73/hr (2019) to $39.84/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.32/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 Ponca City 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 Ponca City
For an occupational therapist working part-time at 24 hours a week, the annual income can differ significantly from full-time salaries, potentially limiting long-term financial stability. Per diem occupational therapist pay in Ponca City can also vary widely; practitioners often bill between $50 to $75 per hour, with certified hand therapists (CHT) commanding rates up to $110 per hour in cash-pay settings. Work settings play a significant role in determining hourly earnings as well, with skilled nursing facilities typically offering different compensation structures than home health agencies or school districts. While some occupational therapists may accept lower hourly rates for the sake of health insurance benefits, others may prioritize higher pay without such perks. Negotiation strategies tailored to Ponca City’s market can greatly enhance earning potential, allowing therapists to align their compensation with their professional value and expertise.
More salary data for Ponca City, OK:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Ponca City in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Ponca City?
Are occupational therapists in Ponca City paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Ponca City?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Ponca City?
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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 Ponca City. 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 Ponca City 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