Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Hamden, CT: $50.06 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Hamden, CT runs $50.06 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $104,120 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Hamden's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.9, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $46.39 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $62,470 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hamden, Connecticut, the occupational therapist hourly pay stands at an impressive $50.06, surpassing the national hourly median of $49.71. This elevated rate not only reflects the region's demand for skilled therapists but also positions Hamden favorably for part-time and per-diem work opportunities within various settings such as hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, and home health visits. With an hourly range spanning from $37.42 for entry-level positions to $68.27 for top earners, there is significant potential for varying earnings depending on experience and specific roles. These figures are based on estimated annual salary data, providing an accurate insight into what therapists can anticipate on an hourly basis.
About the Hamden Market
Salary estimated from Connecticut average ($95,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.42 | $299.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.07 | $336.55 |
| Median (P50) | $50.06 | $400.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57.00 | $456.02 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $68.27 | $546.14 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hamden
Based on $50.06/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $50.06/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hamden, CT can expect to earn approximately $104,117 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $60,067. With a cost-of-living index of 107.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Hamden.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hamden
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,002.25 | $8,676 | $104,117 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,201.35 | $5,206 | $62,470 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $800.90 | $3,471 | $41,647 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Hamden) | $50.06 |
| 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 Hamden, CT earn a median of $104,120 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.70% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 1.60% below the Connecticut state average of $105,814.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $50.06/hr = $62,470/year (purchasing power: $57,896).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $104,117/year (purchasing power: $96,494).
CoL index: 107.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$41.12/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$48.57/hr
2026 Current Est.
$50.06/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Hamden (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41.12/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $41.77/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $41.42/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $45.11/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $46.65/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $48.49/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $48.57/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50.06/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51.59/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Hamden grew 18.1% from $41.12/hr (2019) to $48.57/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $51.59/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 Hamden 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 Hamden
Part-time occupational therapists working three days a week can expect their earnings to aggregate to roughly $62,989 annually, a notable difference compared to full-time peers. The flexibility of per-diem work presents another appealing option, with rates often ranging from $50 to $75 per hour, while specialized hand therapists with CHT credentials can command $80 to $110 per hour in cash-pay practices. Regional differences also influence hourly compensation; positions in skilled nursing facilities and outpatient clinics may offer different pay scales compared to school districts or mental health facilities. For occupational therapists in Hamden, negotiating the hourly rate might involve weighing benefits against higher pay rates without insurance, necessitating strategic discussions tailored to individual needs. Approaching these conversations with clarity about local market rates and personal value can lead to better compensation outcomes.
More salary data for Hamden, CT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Hamden in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Hamden?
Are occupational therapists in Hamden paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Hamden?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Hamden?
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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 Hamden. 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 Hamden 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