Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Florence, AZ: $50.08 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Florence, AZ runs $50.08 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $104,161 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Florence's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $50.84 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $62,496 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Florence, Arizona, the occupational therapist hourly pay is projected to reach $50.08 in 2026, which reflects a slight increase from the national median of $49.71. This favorable hourly rate means that both part-time professionals working three days a week and those in per-diem positions can expect a competitive income while providing services in various settings, such as skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and schools. For entry-level occupational therapists, the hourly range is from $35.54 to $65.80 for top earners, supporting a diverse workforce that caters to a growing population in need of therapeutic interventions. With the cost of living in Florence indexed at 98.5, these hourly rates afford therapists a reasonable standard of living while remaining within the confines of market expectations.
About the Florence 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) | $35.54 | $284.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.44 | $323.53 |
| Median (P50) | $50.08 | $400.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56.86 | $454.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $65.80 | $526.43 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Florence
Based on $50.08/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $50.08/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Florence, AZ can expect to earn approximately $104,160 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $60,092. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Florence.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Florence
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,003.07 | $8,680 | $104,160 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,201.84 | $5,208 | $62,496 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $801.23 | $3,472 | $41,664 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Florence) | $50.08 |
| 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 Florence, AZ earn a median of $104,161 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.74% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 2.40% below the Arizona state average of $106,722.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $50.08/hr = $62,496/year (purchasing power: $63,448).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $104,160/year (purchasing power: $105,746).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$41.14/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$48.59/hr
2026 Current Est.
$50.08/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Florence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41.14/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $41.79/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $41.44/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $45.13/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $46.67/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.99/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $48.59/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50.08/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51.61/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Florence grew 18.1% from $41.14/hr (2019) to $48.59/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $51.61/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 Florence 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 Florence
Occupational therapists in Florence exploring part-time opportunities can anticipate a net annual income from 24 hours of work weekly that varies considerably depending on their employment structure. A part-time occupational therapist could earn around $62,156 annually, significantly less than their full-time counterparts, which may motivate some professionals to pursue per diem options where day rates can range from $50 to $75. For specialized hand therapists with CHT credentials, the per diem occupational therapist pay in Florence could elevate to between $80 and $110 per hour, depending on client type and demand. Furthermore, travel OT contracts can yield high weekly earnings, often ranging from $1,800 to $2,800, but come without stability. Since many employers, including hospitals and school programs, may offer differing benefits packages, therapists often have to negotiate between accepting lower hourly pay with comprehensive health benefits versus higher hourly wages that lack these advantages; effective negotiation strategies can include thorough market research and understanding of local demand trends.
More salary data for Florence, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Florence in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Florence?
Are occupational therapists in Florence paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Florence?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Florence?
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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 Florence. 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 Florence 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