Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Apache Junction, AZ: $49.46 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Apache Junction, AZ runs $49.46 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $102,877 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Apache Junction's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $50.21 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $61,724 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Apache Junction, the projected hourly pay for occupational therapists reaches approximately $49.46, which is slightly lower than the national hourly median of $49.71. This pay rate provides significant opportunities for both part-time and per-diem therapists across diverse settings, including hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, school therapy rooms, and home health visits. Within the city, the hourly pay ranges from $37.96 for entry-level positions to around $60.75 for top earners. Such a structure enables part-time professionals working three days a week to balance income while catering to diverse patient needs, making it an attractive option for those seeking flexibility in their work-life balance.
About the Apache Junction Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($93,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.96 | $303.66 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.20 | $337.62 |
| Median (P50) | $49.46 | $395.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55.44 | $443.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60.75 | $486.03 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Apache Junction
Based on $49.46/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.46/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Apache Junction, AZ can expect to earn approximately $102,874 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $59,350. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Apache Junction.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Apache Junction
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,978.34 | $8,573 | $102,874 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,187.00 | $5,144 | $61,724 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $791.34 | $3,429 | $41,149 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Apache Junction) | $49.46 |
| 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 Apache Junction, AZ earn a median of $102,877 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.51% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 3.60% below the Arizona state average of $106,718.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.46/hr = $61,724/year (purchasing power: $62,664).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $102,874/year (purchasing power: $104,440).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$40.63/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.99/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.46/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Apache Junction (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40.63/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $41.27/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $40.93/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $44.57/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $46.10/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.46/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.99/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.46/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.97/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Apache Junction grew 18.1% from $40.63/hr (2019) to $47.99/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.97/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 Apache Junction 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 Apache Junction
For a part-time occupational therapist working 24 hours a week in Apache Junction, annual income can vary substantially compared to full-time employment. Many per-diem occupational therapists charge between $50 and $75 per hour, offering a lucrative alternative where flexibility and higher pay can often be found. Specialized therapists, such as Certified Hand Therapists (CHTs), may command rates ranging from $80 to $110 per hour in cash-pay practices, while travel OT contracts bring in anywhere from $1,800 to $2,800 per week. The hourly rates can also differ by employer type; for instance, skilled nursing facilities or early intervention programs may offer lower rates compared to outpatient clinics. However, some occupational therapists may choose positions with lower hourly pay to secure benefits like health insurance. It’s wise for professionals to negotiate effectively in this competitive environment by being clear about their qualifications and areas of specialization, such as NBCOT certification or an advanced degree, whether through direct contracts or agency placements.
More salary data for Apache Junction, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Apache Junction in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Apache Junction?
Are occupational therapists in Apache Junction paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Apache Junction?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Apache Junction?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Arizona
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 Apache Junction. 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 Apache Junction 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