Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Athens, GA: $50.08 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Athens, GA runs $50.08 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $104,173 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Athens's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.3, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $53.65 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $62,496 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Athens, Georgia, the latest data estimates the occupational therapist hourly pay at $50.08, slightly above the national median of $49.71 per hour. This competitive rate allows both part-time and per-diem occupational therapists to thrive in various settings. For those working three days a week, the flexibility to balance personal and professional life is appealing, especially in environments like hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient clinics. Newcomers in the field can expect to earn around $35.84 per hour while experienced therapists can reach up to $60.32 per hour, depending on their specialization and employer. This data is derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics sources, reflecting a promising outlook for OT professionals in Athens.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35.84 | $286.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.76 | $310.09 |
| Median (P50) | $50.08 | $400.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53.00 | $424.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60.32 | $482.57 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Athens
Based on $50.08/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $50.08/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Athens, GA can expect to earn approximately $104,160 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $60,092. With a cost-of-living index of 93.34 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Athens.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Athens
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,003.07 | $8,680 | $104,160 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,201.84 | $5,208 | $62,496 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $801.23 | $3,472 | $41,664 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Athens) | $50.08 |
| 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 Athens, GA earn a median of $104,173 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.75% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 2.10% above the Georgia state average of $102,030.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $50.08/hr = $62,496/year (purchasing power: $66,953).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $104,160/year (purchasing power: $111,588).
CoL index: 93.343 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$37.48/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$48.59/hr
2026 Current Est.
$50.08/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+37.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Athens (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37.48/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $39.18/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $45.96/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $50.59/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $52.29/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $46.86/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $48.59/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50.08/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51.61/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Athens grew 29.6% from $37.48/hr (2019) to $48.59/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $51.61/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 Athens 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 Athens
When considering the annual earnings of part-time occupational therapists, a professional working 24 hours a week could realistically expect to earn approximately $62,650 annually, while a full-time therapist may bring home over $104,000. Per diem occupational therapist pay in Athens typically ranges from $50 to $75 per hour, with specialized therapists, like those holding the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential, commanding even higher rates of $80 to $110 per hour in cash-pay practices. Travel occupational therapists also have lucrative opportunities, with contracts ranging from $1,800 to $2,800 per week. The hourly rates may differ considerably based on the employer, with school districts, home health agencies, and various rehabilitation centers all offering varying compensation levels. Additionally, many therapists weigh the benefits of job security and health insurance against the higher pay available in more flexible, per-diem roles. This consideration plays a significant role in compensation negotiations, as OTs in Athens find a balance that suits both their financial and lifestyle needs.
More salary data for Athens, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Athens in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Athens?
Are occupational therapists in Athens paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Athens?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Athens?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Georgia
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 Athens. 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