Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Vestavia Hills, AL: $44.60 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Vestavia Hills, AL runs $44.60 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $92,772 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Vestavia Hills's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.9, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $50.74 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $55,666 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Vestavia Hills, Alabama, the estimated hourly pay for an occupational therapist stands at $44.60 in 2026. This rate is slightly below the national hourly median of $49.71, which reflects the cost of living index in this area being lower than the national average. For part-time therapists working three days a week, this hourly rate translates to considerable opportunities within various settings such as hospital rehab units, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient clinics. The hourly compensation for occupational therapists in Vestavia Hills varies significantly, ranging from $32.76 for entry-level positions to $57.17 for more experienced practitioners. This spectrum allows for flexible arrangements, particularly suited for part-time and per-diem work, where therapists can adjust their workloads according to personal schedules.
About the Vestavia Hills 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) | $32.76 | $262.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.83 | $294.67 |
| Median (P50) | $44.60 | $356.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51.44 | $411.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57.17 | $457.34 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Vestavia Hills
Based on $44.60/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $44.60/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Vestavia Hills, AL can expect to earn approximately $92,777 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $53,525. With a cost-of-living index of 87.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Vestavia Hills.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Vestavia Hills
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,784.17 | $7,731 | $92,777 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,070.50 | $4,639 | $55,666 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $713.67 | $3,093 | $37,111 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Vestavia Hills) | $44.60 |
| 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 Vestavia Hills, AL earn a median of $92,772 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.28% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 4.00% below the Alabama state average of $96,637.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $44.60/hr = $55,666/year (purchasing power: $63,329).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $92,777/year (purchasing power: $105,548).
CoL index: 87.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$36.65/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$43.28/hr
2026 Current Est.
$44.60/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Vestavia Hills (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36.65/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $37.22/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.91/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $40.20/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $41.57/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.49/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $43.28/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44.60/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45.97/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Vestavia Hills grew 18.1% from $36.65/hr (2019) to $43.28/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $45.97/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 Vestavia Hills 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 Vestavia Hills
Focusing on part-time earnings, an occupational therapist working 24 hours each week at $44.60 per hour would take home approximately $55,000 annually, a considerable sum compared to full-time therapists earning much higher. For those considering per diem opportunities, rates can significantly increase; many per diem occupational therapists bill between $50 and $75 per hour, and specialized hand therapists with CHT credentials can earn between $80 and $110. Travel contracts can be even more lucrative, offering weekly pay ranging from $1,800 to $2,800. In Vestavia Hills, the hourly rates can also differ by employer type, with skilled nursing facilities and early intervention programs typically offering lower wages contrasted with cash-pay practices. Many occupational therapists opt for lower hourly rates with stable health benefits, while others may accept per diem roles for higher pay and flexibility. For effective negotiations, understanding the specific offerings of local employers is crucial, as well as possible benefits packages, to strike the right balance between pay and quality of life.
More salary data for Vestavia Hills, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Vestavia Hills in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Vestavia Hills?
Are occupational therapists in Vestavia Hills paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Vestavia Hills?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Vestavia Hills?
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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 Vestavia Hills. 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 Vestavia Hills 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