Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Meriden, CT: $50.22 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Meriden, CT runs $50.22 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $104,465 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Meriden's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.9, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $46.54 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $62,676 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Meriden, Connecticut, the occupational therapist hourly pay stands at an impressive $50.22, slightly above the national median of $49.71. This substantial hourly rate supports various work schedules, whether it be part-time arrangements or per diem roles across common settings such as hospital rehab units, skilled nursing facilities, or outpatient hand therapy clinics. For entry-level occupational therapists, the hourly pay starts around $37.85, while experienced professionals can command up to $63.93 per hour. These hourly figures offer flexibility for therapists balancing work and personal commitments, making it an attractive option in Meriden's healthcare landscape. Estimates of hourly wages derived from annual salary data position occupational therapists favorably as they navigate their careers in this vital field.
About the Meriden 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) | $37.85 | $302.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.41 | $339.27 |
| Median (P50) | $50.22 | $401.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57.35 | $458.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63.93 | $511.42 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Meriden
Based on $50.22/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $50.22/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Meriden, CT can expect to earn approximately $104,460 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $60,265. With a cost-of-living index of 107.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Meriden.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Meriden
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,008.85 | $8,705 | $104,460 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,205.31 | $5,223 | $62,676 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $803.54 | $3,482 | $41,784 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Meriden) | $50.22 |
| 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 Meriden, CT earn a median of $104,465 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.03% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 1.30% below the Connecticut state average of $105,841.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $50.22/hr = $62,676/year (purchasing power: $58,087).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $104,460/year (purchasing power: $96,812).
CoL index: 107.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$41.26/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$48.73/hr
2026 Current Est.
$50.22/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Meriden (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41.26/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $41.91/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $41.56/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $45.26/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $46.81/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $48.65/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $48.73/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50.22/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51.76/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Meriden grew 18.1% from $41.26/hr (2019) to $48.73/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $51.76/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 Meriden 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 Meriden
Examining the financial prospects for part-time occupational therapists in Meriden reveals that those working three days a week, or about 24 hours, can earn an annual income of approximately $62,000, significantly lower than their full-time counterparts. Per-diem occupational therapists can tap into lucrative opportunities, often billing between $50 and $75 per hour, while Certified Hand Therapists (CHTs) can achieve premium rates of $80 to $110 per hour in cash-pay practices. Travel contracts also present high earning potential, typically running between $1,800 and $2,800 per week. Hourly rates vary depending on the employer type, with skilled nursing facilities and outpatient clinics often offering different compensation structures. Occupational therapists in Meriden must weigh the benefits of employment—such as health insurance and retirement plans—against higher hourly wages that may come without benefits. Negotiating for a favorable hourly rate often means presenting one's credentials, such as specialty certifications from AOTA and NBCOT, to leverage higher pay from prospective employers.
More salary data for Meriden, CT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Meriden in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Meriden?
Are occupational therapists in Meriden paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Meriden?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Meriden?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Connecticut
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 Meriden. 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 Meriden 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