Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Phoenix, AZ: $52.06 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Phoenix, AZ runs $52.06 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $108,275 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Phoenix's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.3, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $50.38 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $64,965 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Phoenix, Arizona, occupational therapists earn a median hourly rate of $52.06, which is notably higher than the national median of $49.71. This differential highlights the demand for skilled professionals in a city that features a variety of therapy environments, such as hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient clinics. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this hourly rate can translate into a respectable income, allowing for flexibility while maintaining financial stability. Additionally, the hourly range for occupational therapists spans from $38.73 for entry-level roles to a robust $66.24 for top earners, making it an attractive field for new graduates and seasoned practitioners alike, based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.73 | $309.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.59 | $340.76 |
| Median (P50) | $52.06 | $416.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $61.26 | $490.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $66.24 | $529.89 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Phoenix
Based on $52.06/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $52.06/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Phoenix, AZ can expect to earn approximately $108,276 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $62,467. With a cost-of-living index of 103.32 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Phoenix.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Phoenix
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,082.22 | $9,023 | $108,276 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,249.33 | $5,414 | $64,965 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $832.89 | $3,609 | $43,310 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Phoenix) | $52.06 |
| 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 Phoenix, AZ earn a median of $108,275 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.71% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 1.50% above the Arizona state average of $106,675.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $52.06/hr = $64,965/year (purchasing power: $62,880).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $108,276/year (purchasing power: $104,800).
CoL index: 103.316 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$45.46/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$50.51/hr
2026 Current Est.
$52.06/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+18.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Phoenix (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45.46/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $46.70/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.79/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $40.60/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $46.63/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $49.56/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $50.51/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52.06/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53.65/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Phoenix grew 11.1% from $45.46/hr (2019) to $50.51/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $53.65/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 Phoenix 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 Phoenix
Looking more closely at the earning potential for occupational therapists in Phoenix, those working part-time at approximately 24 hours per week can take home around $64,495 annually. In contrast, full-time occupational therapists can expect more than double this figure. Per diem occupational therapists often enjoy greater flexibility in their work schedules, with billing rates typically falling between $50 and $75 per hour. Those with the CHT credential, particularly in cash-pay practices, can command even higher rates, reaching between $80 and $110 per hour. Moreover, travel contracts in the field can yield substantial earnings, running from $1,800 to $2,800 per week. However, the trade-off between hourly rates and benefits can be a consideration when deciding between positions; those seeking higher hourly pay without benefits may be sacrificing security. Negotiating terms effectively in this diverse marketplace is crucial, especially as different employer types across Phoenix, including skilled nursing facilities and school districts, offer varying rates and benefits packages.
More salary data for Phoenix, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Phoenix in 2026?
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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 Phoenix. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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