Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Phenix City, AL: $45.72 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Phenix City, AL runs $45.72 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $95,088 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Phenix City's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.9, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $52.01 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $57,055 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Phenix City, Alabama, the occupational therapist hourly pay is projected to be $45.72 in 2026, which falls below the national median of $49.71. This discrepancy may impact those considering part-time work as occupational therapists, especially for positions in diverse settings such as hospital rehab units, skilled nursing facilities, or outpatient clinics. For a therapist working three days a week, this hourly rate equates to approximately $3,340 monthly, assuming a 24-hour workweek. Entry-level positions start at an hourly rate of $35.26, while seasoned professionals can earn up to $56.35 hourly. Such figures reflect estimates derived from annual salary data, allowing potential workers to gauge their options in Phenix City’s healthcare environment.
About the Phenix City 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) | $35.26 | $282.05 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.13 | $313.06 |
| Median (P50) | $45.72 | $365.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51.35 | $410.84 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56.35 | $450.83 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Phenix City
Based on $45.72/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $45.72/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Phenix City, AL can expect to earn approximately $95,092 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $54,861. With a cost-of-living index of 87.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Phenix City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Phenix City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,828.70 | $7,924 | $95,092 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,097.22 | $4,755 | $57,055 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $731.48 | $3,170 | $38,037 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Phenix City) | $45.72 |
| 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 Phenix City, AL earn a median of $95,088 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.04% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 1.60% below the Alabama state average of $96,634.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $45.72/hr = $57,055/year (purchasing power: $64,909).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $95,092/year (purchasing power: $108,182).
CoL index: 87.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$37.56/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$44.36/hr
2026 Current Est.
$45.72/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Phenix City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37.56/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $38.15/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.83/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $41.20/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $42.61/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.35/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $44.36/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45.72/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47.12/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Phenix City grew 18.1% from $37.56/hr (2019) to $44.36/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $47.12/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 Phenix 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 Phenix City
The earnings for part-time and per-diem occupational therapists in Phenix City vary significantly based on employment settings. A part-time occupational therapist working a total of 1,248 hours per year at the projected hourly rate could see an estimated annual income of around $36,000, compared to the approximately $95,088 earned by full-time colleagues. Per diem occupational therapists can command much higher hourly rates, generally billing between $50 and $75, with specialized hand therapists potentially earning $80 to $110 hourly in cash-pay practices. Travel contracts can net OTs $1,800 to $2,800 weekly, offering a lucrative alternative. Variations in pay by employer type highlight a trade-off between lower hourly wages that include benefits, such as health insurance, versus higher wages without benefits. Negotiating compensation effectively is crucial, with strategies tailored to each employer's context aiding in obtaining favorable rates during hourly discussions in Phenix City.
More salary data for Phenix City, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Phenix City in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Phenix City?
Are occupational therapists in Phenix City paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Phenix City?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Phenix 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 Phenix 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 Phenix 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