Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Centennial, CO: $53.76 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Centennial, CO runs $53.76 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $111,805 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Centennial's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $51.20 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $67,088 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Centennial, Colorado, the median occupational therapist hourly pay stands at $53.76, placing it above the national median of $49.71. This difference reflects the competitive nature of the job market in CO, where the hourly rates are conducive for part-time and per-diem workers. For those employed three days a week, this hourly rate translates into robust earning potential while balancing flexibility. Occupational therapists working in various settings—such as hospital rehab units, skilled nursing facilities, and schools—experience a broad hourly pay range that spans from $36.51 at entry-level positions to $74.57 for the top earners in the field. These estimated hourly rates provide a clear picture of the financial opportunities available in occupational therapy, making it an appealing choice for aspiring professionals.
About the Centennial Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($90,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36.51 | $292.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.50 | $340.02 |
| Median (P50) | $53.76 | $430.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $61.58 | $492.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $74.57 | $596.59 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Centennial
Based on $53.76/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $53.76/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Centennial, CO can expect to earn approximately $111,813 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $64,507. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Centennial.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Centennial
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,150.24 | $9,318 | $111,813 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,290.15 | $5,591 | $67,088 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $860.10 | $3,727 | $44,725 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Centennial) | $53.76 |
| 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 Centennial, CO earn a median of $111,805 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.13% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 2.60% above the Colorado state average of $108,971.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $53.76/hr = $67,088/year (purchasing power: $63,893).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $111,813/year (purchasing power: $106,488).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$44.16/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$52.16/hr
2026 Current Est.
$53.76/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Centennial (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44.16/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $44.86/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $44.49/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $48.44/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $50.10/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $46.31/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $52.16/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53.76/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55.40/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Centennial grew 18.1% from $44.16/hr (2019) to $52.16/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $55.40/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 Centennial 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 Centennial
When analyzing the financial prospects for part-time occupational therapists, those working 24 hours a week could potentially earn approximately $41,516 annually, significantly less than full-time counterparts but still viable for living in Centennial. Per-diem occupational therapist pay in Centennial can vary greatly, with rates commonly ranging between $50 and $75 per hour, and specialized hand therapists with CHT credentials can bill even higher, up to $110 per hour in cash-pay settings. Contracted travel OTs may see weekly earnings of $1,800 to $2,800. Employers in Centennial, including skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and school districts, often have varying pay scales influenced by their funding sources and benefits packages. Some occupational therapists may choose to accept lower hourly rates for the stability of health insurance, while others prefer higher pay that skips the benefits, creating a complex decision for professionals in the field. To secure optimal pay, effective negotiation strategies tailored to the specific employer type and reimbursement structures in Centennial could be advantageous.
More salary data for Centennial, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Centennial in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Centennial?
Are occupational therapists in Centennial paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Centennial?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Centennial?
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 Centennial. 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 Centennial 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