Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Manchester, CT: $51.30 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Manchester, CT runs $51.30 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $106,710 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Manchester's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.9, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $47.55 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $64,026 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Manchester, Connecticut, the hourly compensation for occupational therapists is projected to reach $51.30 in 2026. This rate is notably higher than the national median hourly rate of $49.71, illustrating a favorable environment for OTs in this region. Whether working part-time three days a week or in per-diem roles, many therapists find opportunities across various settings such as hospital rehab units, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient clinics. For part-time therapists committing to roughly 24 hours per week, the earnings can still be appealing, translating into a sizable income over time. The hourly pay for entry-level practitioners typically starts at $36.11, while top earners can achieve as much as $67.50 per hour, making occupational therapy a lucrative profession in Manchester.
About the Manchester 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) | $36.11 | $288.90 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.55 | $332.43 |
| Median (P50) | $51.30 | $410.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59.90 | $479.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $67.50 | $540.03 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Manchester
Based on $51.30/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $51.30/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Manchester, CT can expect to earn approximately $106,711 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $61,564. With a cost-of-living index of 107.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Manchester.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Manchester
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,052.13 | $8,893 | $106,711 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,231.28 | $5,336 | $64,026 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $820.85 | $3,557 | $42,684 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Manchester) | $51.30 |
| 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 Manchester, CT earn a median of $106,710 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.20% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 0.80% above the Connecticut state average of $105,863.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $51.30/hr = $64,026/year (purchasing power: $59,339).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $106,711/year (purchasing power: $98,898).
CoL index: 107.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$42.15/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$49.78/hr
2026 Current Est.
$51.30/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Manchester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42.15/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $42.81/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $42.46/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $46.23/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $47.82/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $49.70/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $49.78/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51.30/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52.87/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Manchester grew 18.1% from $42.15/hr (2019) to $49.78/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $52.87/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 Manchester 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 Manchester
Earning potential for a part-time occupational therapist in Manchester can differ significantly from that of full-time colleagues, especially when working three days a week. While they may take home less annually than full-timers, the flexibility offered might be preferable. Per-diem occupational therapists can expect rates that commonly range from $50 to $75 per hour, while CHT-credentialed therapists focusing on hand therapy may find themselves earning between $80 and $110 per hour in cash-pay practices. Travel OT contracts offer another appealing avenue, with weekly earnings reported between $1,800 and $2,800. Hourly rates can also vary depending on the employer; skilled nursing facilities might provide lower wages compared to specialized outpatient clinics, but may offer health benefits that higher-paying agencies lack. When discussing compensation, therapists should consider negotiating rates that reflect their specialization and certifications, particularly in Manchester, where demand is expected to grow at an annual rate of 3.06%.
More salary data for Manchester, CT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Manchester in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Manchester?
Are occupational therapists in Manchester paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Manchester?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Manchester?
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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 Manchester. 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 Manchester 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