Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Auburn, AL: $48.36 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Auburn, AL runs $48.36 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $100,587 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Auburn's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.9, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $54.99 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,348 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
With a projected median hourly pay of $48.36 for occupational therapists in Auburn, Alabama, professionals in this field earn slightly less than the national median of $49.71. This hourly rate provides a solid foundation for those considering part-time work or per-diem opportunities in various settings such as hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, schools, and outpatient therapy clinics. For part-time therapists working three days a week, the hourly compensation can make for a flexible lifestyle, while per-diem occupational therapists can capitalize on irregular schedules that fit their personal needs. The entry-level hourly pay can start at around $38.64, while experienced therapists may command rates reaching up to $61.84, emphasizing the financial diversity available in this rewarding profession based on expertise and experience.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.64 | $309.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.80 | $318.41 |
| Median (P50) | $48.36 | $386.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.13 | $393.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61.84 | $494.69 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Auburn
Based on $48.36/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.36/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Auburn, AL can expect to earn approximately $100,580 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,027. With a cost-of-living index of 87.93 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Auburn.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Auburn
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,934.23 | $8,382 | $100,580 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,160.54 | $5,029 | $60,348 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $773.69 | $3,353 | $40,232 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Auburn) | $48.36 |
| 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 Auburn, AL earn a median of $100,587 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.72% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 4.10% above the Alabama state average of $96,625.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.36/hr = $60,348/year (purchasing power: $68,630).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $100,580/year (purchasing power: $114,383).
CoL index: 87.933 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$39.73/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.92/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.36/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Auburn (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.73/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.35/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.89/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $43.58/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $40.74/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $44.80/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.92/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.36/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.84/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Auburn grew 18.1% from $39.73/hr (2019) to $46.92/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.84/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 Auburn 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 Auburn
For part-time occupational therapists in Auburn working 24 hours a week, annual earnings can translate to around $59,900, considerably lower than full-time counterparts, but still reasonable for flexible work. Per-diem occupational therapist pay in Auburn typically ranges from $50 to $75 per hour, with cash-pay specialties like Certified Hand Therapists (CHTs) earning upwards of $80 to $110 per hour. Additionally, travel OT contracts can generate considerable income, often between $1,800 to $2,800 per week, attracting many seeking higher hourly wages while sacrificing traditional benefits. Hourly rates also vary widely across employer types in Auburn; while skilled nursing facilities tend to offer lower pay due to budget constraints, school district contracts might provide a balance of decent wages with benefits. As some therapists weigh their options, negotiating for additional perks such as healthcare might lead them to accept lower hourly rates, highlighting the trade-offs in the job market. For those in Auburn, it's essential to understand local trends and leverage one's credentials effectively during negotiations.
More salary data for Auburn, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Auburn in 2026?
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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 Auburn. 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, 4-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