Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Atlanta, GA: $52.60 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Atlanta, GA runs $52.60 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $109,408 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Atlanta's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.1, 0% above national), each hour of work buys what $52.57 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $65,647 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Occupational therapists in Atlanta, Georgia, can expect a median hourly rate of $52.60, which notably exceeds the national median of $49.71. This considerable pay level allows for flexibility that benefits those seeking part-time work or per-diem opportunities in settings such as hospital rehab units, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient clinics. Additionally, the hourly rate for occupational therapists spans a range from $37.96 to $64.91, catering to entry-level positions while also providing attractive compensation for experienced practitioners. The data reflects projections based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, indicating a healthy demand and financial rewards in the market.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.96 | $303.66 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43.04 | $344.30 |
| Median (P50) | $52.60 | $420.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60.93 | $487.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64.91 | $519.26 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Atlanta
Based on $52.60/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $52.60/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Atlanta, GA can expect to earn approximately $109,412 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $63,122. With a cost-of-living index of 100.06 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Atlanta.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Atlanta
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,104.07 | $9,118 | $109,412 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,262.44 | $5,471 | $65,647 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $841.63 | $3,647 | $43,765 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Atlanta) | $52.60 |
| 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 Atlanta, GA earn a median of $109,408 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.81% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 7.20% above the Georgia state average of $102,060.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $52.60/hr = $65,647/year (purchasing power: $65,609).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $109,412/year (purchasing power: $109,348).
CoL index: 100.058 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$42.91/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$51.04/hr
2026 Current Est.
$52.60/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Atlanta (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42.91/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $44.52/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.09/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $45.78/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $49.88/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $48.76/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $51.04/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52.60/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54.21/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Atlanta grew 18.9% from $42.91/hr (2019) to $51.04/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $54.21/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 Atlanta 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 Atlanta
For those considering part-time positions, working three days a week (approximately 24 hours) allows OTs to earn a substantial income relative to full-time hours. Depending on the specific employment setting, part-time OTs could take home a rewarding annual salary while enjoying a balanced work-life dynamic. Per diem occupational therapist pay in Atlanta typically ranges from $50 to $75 per hour, with specialty positions such as certified hand therapists (CHT) potentially earning between $80 and $110 per hour in cash-pay settings. Hourly rates also vary significantly depending on the employer, with skilled nursing facilities often offering competitive rates alongside benefits, while some may favor higher hourly compensation without insurance. This trade-off can be pivotal in negotiations for those considering their compensation strategies; being aware of the local market trends can empower occupational therapists in Atlanta to make informed decisions about their career paths and negotiation approaches.
More salary data for Atlanta, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Atlanta in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Atlanta?
Are occupational therapists in Atlanta paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Atlanta?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Atlanta?
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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 Atlanta. 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