Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Northport, AL: $45.37 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Northport, AL runs $45.37 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $94,362 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Northport's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.9, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $51.61 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $56,618 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, occupational therapists in Northport, Alabama, can expect an hourly median rate of $45.37, which is notably lower than the national median of $49.71. For part-time workers, such as those taking on a 3-day workweek, this hourly rate translates into a take-home amount that reflects their commitment to work-life balance while still contributing to therapeutic settings like hospitals and schools. The hourly pay range for occupational therapists in Northport varies from $32.22 at the entry level to $56.84 for those at the top of their field. With a growing focus on rehabilitation in various environments—including skilled nursing facilities and outpatient clinics—these estimates, derived from annual salary data, provide insight into what can be expected from this rewarding profession.
About the Northport Market
Salary estimated from Alabama average ($85,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32.22 | $257.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.65 | $293.19 |
| Median (P50) | $45.37 | $362.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51.53 | $412.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56.84 | $454.70 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Northport
Based on $45.37/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $45.37/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Northport, AL can expect to earn approximately $94,363 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $54,440. With a cost-of-living index of 87.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Northport.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Northport
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,814.68 | $7,864 | $94,363 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,088.81 | $4,718 | $56,618 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $725.87 | $3,145 | $37,745 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Northport) | $45.37 |
| 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 Northport, AL earn a median of $94,362 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.74% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 2.40% below the Alabama state average of $96,682.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $45.37/hr = $56,618/year (purchasing power: $64,412).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $94,363/year (purchasing power: $107,353).
CoL index: 87.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$37.27/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$44.02/hr
2026 Current Est.
$45.37/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Northport (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37.27/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $37.86/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.54/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $40.88/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $42.28/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.08/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $44.02/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45.37/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46.76/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Northport grew 18.1% from $37.27/hr (2019) to $44.02/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $46.76/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 Northport 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 Northport
Taking on part-time roles, such as a three-day workweek, can yield roughly $54,089 annually, a figure that's significantly lower compared to full-time equivalents. Per diem occupational therapist pay in Northport typically ranges from $50 to $75 per hour, with specialized therapists, particularly those with the CHT credential, earning as much as $80 to $110 in cash-pay practices. Different employer types impact hourly compensation, as pay tends to fluctuate across skilled nursing facilities, schools, and mental health agencies. Many practitioners weigh the benefits of higher hourly rates without health insurance against more stable positions that offer comprehensive benefits packages. Negotiating pay effectively can help prospective occupational therapists maximize their earnings in Northport, and understanding employer-specific rates is a key strategy for achieving favorable outcomes.
More salary data for Northport, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Northport in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Northport?
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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 Northport. 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 Northport 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