Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Bridgeport, CT: $52.15 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Bridgeport, CT runs $52.15 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $108,460 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Bridgeport's regional price level (BEA RPP 106.9, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $48.80 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $65,081 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Occupational therapists in Bridgeport, CT, can expect an hourly median pay of $52.15, exceeding the national median of $49.71. This advantageous hourly rate makes it a lucrative option for various work arrangements, particularly for part-time and per-diem positions commonly seen in hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient clinics. For professionals working three days a week, this could mean a stable income while balancing other commitments. The hourly pay range showcases opportunities for different experience levels, where entry-level positions start at approximately $38.64 per hour, while highly experienced professionals can earn up to $67.11 per hour. These figures, derived from the 2026 estimates based on 2025 BLS data, highlight the competitive landscape for occupational therapist hourly pay in Bridgeport.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.64 | $309.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47.93 | $383.47 |
| Median (P50) | $52.15 | $417.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59.09 | $472.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $67.11 | $536.90 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bridgeport
Based on $52.15/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $52.15/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bridgeport, CT can expect to earn approximately $108,469 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $62,578. With a cost-of-living index of 106.86 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bridgeport.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bridgeport
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,085.93 | $9,039 | $108,469 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,251.56 | $5,423 | $65,081 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $834.37 | $3,616 | $43,387 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Bridgeport) | $52.15 |
| 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 Bridgeport, CT earn a median of $108,460 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.89% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 2.50% above the Connecticut state average of $105,815.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $52.15/hr = $65,081/year (purchasing power: $60,901).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $108,469/year (purchasing power: $101,502).
CoL index: 106.864 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$46.70/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$50.60/hr
2026 Current Est.
$52.15/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+15.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Bridgeport (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46.70/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $44.37/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.91/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $45.84/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $47.73/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $50.03/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $50.60/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52.15/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53.74/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Bridgeport grew 8.4% from $46.70/hr (2019) to $50.60/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $53.74/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 Bridgeport 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 Bridgeport
Considering a part-time occupational therapist's financial trajectory, someone working a typical three-day week (about 24 hours) might see an annual take-home in the vicinity of $49,000, a substantial amount though less than what full-time positions yield. Per-diem occupational therapists often command higher rates, typically billing around $50 to $75 per hour, while certified hand therapists (CHTs) can earn even more, with rates often hitting $80 to $110 per hour in cash-pay practices. Additionally, travel occupational therapists can earn between $1,800 to $2,800 per week. Hourly rates also vary depending on the employer type. For instance, skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehab usually offer different compensation compared to school district contracts or home health agencies. Some occupational therapists may choose a lower hourly rate for salaried positions that provide benefits, while others might prefer the flexibility of higher rates without benefits. When negotiating pay, it is vital for Bridgeport OTs to research typical rates in their specific area to ensure they are compensated effectively.
More salary data for Bridgeport, CT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Bridgeport in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Bridgeport?
Are occupational therapists in Bridgeport paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Bridgeport?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Bridgeport?
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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 Bridgeport. 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