Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Fountain, CO: $49.77 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Fountain, CO runs $49.77 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $103,508 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Fountain's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $47.40 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $62,110 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fountain, Colorado, the projected median hourly rate for occupational therapists is $49.77, slightly surpassing the national median of $49.71. This rate reflects the growing demand for professionals in diverse settings such as hospital rehab units, skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and home health visits. With the hourly range extending from $37.16 for entry-level positions to $64.49 for seasoned therapists, there are ample opportunities for both part-time and per-diem work. For those working three days a week, the occupational therapist hourly pay in Fountain allows for flexible scheduling while still providing a competitive wage, particularly for practitioners who are looking to balance work with other commitments. It's worth mentioning that these hourly figures are derived from annual salary data, thus representing robust income potential for those considering a career in occupational therapy within this Colorado community.
About the Fountain 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) | $37.16 | $297.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.54 | $332.35 |
| Median (P50) | $49.77 | $398.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57.83 | $462.62 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64.49 | $515.96 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fountain
Based on $49.77/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.77/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fountain, CO can expect to earn approximately $103,517 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $59,721. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Fountain.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fountain
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,990.71 | $8,626 | $103,517 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,194.42 | $5,176 | $62,110 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $796.28 | $3,451 | $41,407 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Fountain) | $49.77 |
| 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 Fountain, CO earn a median of $103,508 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.10% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 5.10% below the Colorado state average of $109,071.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.77/hr = $62,110/year (purchasing power: $59,152).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $103,517/year (purchasing power: $98,587).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$40.89/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$48.29/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.77/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Fountain (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40.89/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $41.53/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $41.19/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $44.85/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $46.38/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.14/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $48.29/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.77/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51.29/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Fountain grew 18.1% from $40.89/hr (2019) to $48.29/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $51.29/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 Fountain 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 Fountain
When considering part-time work, a three-day-a-week occupational therapist in Fountain earns approximately $62,776 annually, compared to a full-time salary of around $103,508. This discrepancy highlights the flexibility part-time roles provide, as many therapists prioritize work-life balance and diverse experiences in various therapy settings. Additionally, per diem occupational therapist pay in Fountain typically ranges from $50 to $75 per hour, with specialized hand therapists holding CHT credentials often commanding rates of $80 to $110 per hour in cash-pay practices. Travel OT contracts can be notably lucrative, ranging from $1,800 to $2,800 weekly, offering unique income opportunities. However, therapists may find that hourly rates can vary significantly depending on employer type—ranging from skilled nursing facilities to outpatient clinics and early intervention programs. It's a trade-off between securing health benefits from full-time employment versus opting for high hourly rates with little to no benefits. When negotiating agreements, it’s beneficial for therapists in Fountain to highlight specialized skills or credentials, as these can warrant higher pay rates.
More salary data for Fountain, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Fountain in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Fountain?
Are occupational therapists in Fountain paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Fountain?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Fountain?
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 Fountain. 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 Fountain 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