Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Boulder, CO: $61.19 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Boulder, CO runs $61.19 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $127,269 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Boulder's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.2, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $58.16 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $76,361 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Boulder, the occupational therapist hourly pay is projected to be $61.19 in 2026, significantly surpassing the national median of $49.71 per hour. This competitive rate can make a considerable difference for part-time therapists, such as those working three days a week, who can earn an attractive income while maintaining a flexible schedule. For per diem occupational therapists, typical billing rates range from $50 to $75 per hour, with certified hand therapists (CHT) commanding even higher rates in cash-pay settings. The hourly pay range in Boulder varies from $42.56 for entry-level positions to an impressive $86.61 for the highest earners, providing substantial opportunities across diverse working environments, including hospital rehab units, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient therapy clinics. This data reflects official BLS hourly projections, emphasizing the financial viability of this profession in the region.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42.56 | $340.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.46 | $411.66 |
| Median (P50) | $61.19 | $489.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67.08 | $536.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $86.61 | $692.89 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Boulder
Based on $61.19/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $61.19/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Boulder, CO can expect to earn approximately $127,268 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $73,424. With a cost-of-living index of 105.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Boulder.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Boulder
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,447.47 | $10,606 | $127,268 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,468.48 | $6,363 | $76,361 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $978.99 | $4,242 | $50,907 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Boulder) | $61.19 |
| 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 Boulder, CO earn a median of $127,269 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.08% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 16.70% above the Colorado state average of $109,056.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $61.19/hr = $76,361/year (purchasing power: $72,585).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $127,268/year (purchasing power: $120,975).
CoL index: 105.202 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$45.14/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$59.37/hr
2026 Current Est.
$61.19/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+39.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Boulder (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45.14/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $45.15/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $46.24/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $47.00/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $46.91/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $52.12/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $59.37/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61.19/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63.06/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Boulder grew 31.5% from $45.14/hr (2019) to $59.37/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $63.06/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 Boulder 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 Boulder
Evaluating the financial landscape for part-time occupational therapists in Boulder reveals that those working a 24-hour week can take home a respectable income, particularly when contrasted with the commitment of full-time employment. Per diem occupational therapists enjoy distinct flexibility but often don't receive benefits, with many choosing to work on an as-needed basis, which can lead to varying income levels. For instance, travel OT contracts can yield impressive weekly earnings between $1,800 and $2,800, emphasizing the lucrative potential for this workforce. Hourly rates across employer types in Boulder can diverge substantially, with schools and early intervention programs often paying less than skilled nursing or hospital settings. This income variability often leads therapists to weigh their hourly pay against the benefits of job security and insurance coverage. When negotiating pay, it’s advisable for therapists to be clear about their hourly needs while considering the full employment package that includes health benefits, particularly in such a competitive market as Boulder, CO.
More salary data for Boulder, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Boulder in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Boulder?
Are occupational therapists in Boulder paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Boulder?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Boulder?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Colorado
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 Boulder. 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