Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Dothan, AL: $44.28 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Dothan, AL runs $44.28 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $92,115 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Dothan's regional price level (BEA RPP 83.8, 16% below national), each hour of work buys what $52.83 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $55,268 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Dothan, Alabama, the median hourly pay for occupational therapists is projected to be $44.28 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median of $49.71 per hour. This local rate provides a base for various employment situations, whether it’s part-time work at a facility or a per-diem role. For instance, a part-time occupational therapist working three days a week could earn approximately $3,000 monthly. The hourly range extends from $36.57 at the entry level to $63.38 for those at the top end, reflecting the varying degrees of experience and specialization among practitioners in different settings, including skilled nursing facilities and outpatient therapy clinics. These figures are derived from official BLS data, indicating that occupational therapists in Dothan earn competitive wages within the regional context.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36.57 | $292.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.27 | $330.12 |
| Median (P50) | $44.28 | $354.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54.88 | $439.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63.38 | $507.06 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Dothan
Based on $44.28/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $44.28/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Dothan, AL can expect to earn approximately $92,113 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $53,142. With a cost-of-living index of 83.83 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Dothan.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Dothan
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,771.40 | $7,676 | $92,113 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,062.84 | $4,606 | $55,268 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $708.56 | $3,070 | $36,845 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Dothan) | $44.28 |
| 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 Dothan, AL earn a median of $92,115 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.91% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 4.70% below the Alabama state average of $96,658.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $44.28/hr = $55,268/year (purchasing power: $65,926).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $92,113/year (purchasing power: $109,876).
CoL index: 83.833 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$41.15/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$42.97/hr
2026 Current Est.
$44.28/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+10.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Dothan (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41.15/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $42.39/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $43.73/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $40.52/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $42.94/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $44.58/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $42.97/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44.28/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45.64/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Dothan grew 4.4% from $41.15/hr (2019) to $42.97/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $45.64/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 Dothan 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 Dothan
Analyzing the earning potential for part-time occupational therapists, someone working a typical schedule may take home significantly less annually compared to their full-time counterparts. For example, a part-time therapist working a 24-hour week could earn around $64,000 annually, whereas a full-time position would yield a median closer to $92,115 without factoring in overtime. For those considering per diem options, pay rates can vary widely, with typical billing between $50-$75 per hour; specialized hand therapists can earn between $80-$110 in cash-pay scenarios. Hourly compensation will differ based on the employing organization, with educational systems and home health agencies typically offering lower rates due to the benefits they provide. For occupational therapists in Dothan, negotiating a higher hourly wage may be vital, especially if they opt for positions that exclude benefits but offer higher pay. Engaging in open discussions regarding workload and financial responsibilities can lead to favorable arrangements that meet both personal needs and professional goals.
More salary data for Dothan, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Dothan in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Dothan?
Are occupational therapists in Dothan paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Dothan?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Dothan?
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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 Dothan. 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