Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Sitka, AK: $48.73 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Sitka, AK runs $48.73 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $101,355 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Sitka's regional price level (BEA RPP 106.1, 6% above national), each hour of work buys what $45.93 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,811 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the occupational therapist hourly pay in Sitka, Alaska, is projected to be $48.73, which slightly trails the national median of $49.71. This rate provides a solid income for both full-time and part-time therapists working in diverse settings such as hospitals, schools, and outpatient clinics. For part-time practitioners working three days a week, this translates into approximately $1,000 weekly. Entry-level occupational therapists in Sitka can expect to earn around $37.88 per hour, while those at the top of the salary spectrum may see rates as high as $59.89. With an hourly range that accommodates various levels of experience and expertise, there's room for growth, especially for those specializing in high-demand areas like hand therapy, which often commands a premium.
About the Sitka Market
Salary estimated from Alaska average ($104,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.88 | $303.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.56 | $332.51 |
| Median (P50) | $48.73 | $389.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54.93 | $439.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59.89 | $479.11 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sitka
Based on $48.73/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.73/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sitka, AK can expect to earn approximately $101,352 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,472. With a cost-of-living index of 106.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Sitka.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sitka
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,949.07 | $8,446 | $101,352 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,169.44 | $5,068 | $60,811 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $779.63 | $3,378 | $40,541 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Sitka) | $48.73 |
| 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 Sitka, AK earn a median of $101,355 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.98% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 7.60% below the Alaska state average of $109,692.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.73/hr = $60,811/year (purchasing power: $57,315).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $101,352/year (purchasing power: $95,525).
CoL index: 106.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$40.03/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.28/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.73/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Sitka (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40.03/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.66/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $40.32/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $43.91/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $45.41/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $49.01/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.28/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.73/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.22/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Sitka grew 18.1% from $40.03/hr (2019) to $47.28/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.22/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 Sitka 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 Sitka
Looking deeper into the earning potential for occupational therapists in Sitka reveals intriguing dynamics for part-time, per diem, and agency work. A therapist working three days a week could take home about $72,000 annually, compared to a full-time colleague who would earn around $101,355; this makes part-time work attractive for those seeking flexibility. For per diem occupational therapists, billing rates typically range from $50 to $75 per hour, while specialized Certified Hand Therapists can command between $80 and $110 in cash-pay environments. Hourly rates can vary significantly by employer type; those working in skilled nursing facilities may earn differently than their counterparts in school-based roles or outpatient clinics. Some therapists opt for positions with lower hourly rates that offer comprehensive health benefits, balancing immediate pay with long-term security. When negotiating hourly conditions in Sitka, it's beneficial to understand rates across different settings and leverage specialty credentials like CHT for increased compensation.
More salary data for Sitka, AK:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Sitka in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Sitka?
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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 Sitka. 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 Sitka 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