Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Pooler, GA: $48.45 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Pooler, GA runs $48.45 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $100,783 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Pooler's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.1, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $52.04 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,464 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the occupational therapist hourly pay in Pooler, Georgia, is projected to be $48.45, which is slightly below the national hourly median of $49.71. This competitive rate can be particularly advantageous for those seeking part-time or per-diem work, allowing flexibility while still earning a substantial income. Part-time therapists working three days a week could earn around $36,384 annually based on this hourly figure. Despite being in a range from $33.90 (P10) at entry-level positions to $59.98 (P90) for the more experienced occupational therapists, the pay is reflective of the average cost of living in Pooler, which is below the national index. The diverse settings for occupational therapists—including skilled nursing facilities, outdoor therapy clinics, and home health visits—provide various earning opportunities that align with the occupational therapist hourly rate in GA.
About the Pooler Market
Salary estimated from Georgia average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33.90 | $271.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.71 | $333.67 |
| Median (P50) | $48.45 | $387.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54.74 | $437.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59.98 | $479.85 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pooler
Based on $48.45/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.45/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pooler, GA can expect to earn approximately $100,773 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,138. With a cost-of-living index of 93.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Pooler.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pooler
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,937.94 | $8,398 | $100,773 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,162.76 | $5,039 | $60,464 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $775.18 | $3,359 | $40,309 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Pooler) | $48.45 |
| 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 Pooler, GA earn a median of $100,783 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.53% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 1.20% below the Georgia state average of $102,007.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.45/hr = $60,464/year (purchasing power: $64,945).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $100,773/year (purchasing power: $108,242).
CoL index: 93.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$39.80/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.01/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.45/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Pooler (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.80/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.43/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $40.09/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $43.66/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $45.15/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.91/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.01/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.45/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.93/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Pooler grew 18.1% from $39.80/hr (2019) to $47.01/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.93/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 Pooler 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 Pooler
For occupational therapists in Pooler, the potential for part-time earnings can be quite appealing. A three-day schedule means an estimated annual income of about $36,384, which contrasts with a full-time commitment leading to a significantly higher total. Alternatively, per diem occupational therapist pay in Pooler ranges markedly, with typical rates between $50 to $75 per hour. Specialized therapists, such as Certified Hand Therapists (CHT), can earn anywhere from $80 to $110 per hour in private practice settings, and travel contracts might offer a weekly pay range of $1,800 to $2,800. It's essential for OTs to evaluate the trade-offs between higher hourly rates without benefits and lower rates coupled with health insurance when considering employment in Pooler’s diverse healthcare organizations. Negotiating hourly rates effectively often involves highlighting specialized skills or negotiating for other perks that align with individual circumstances.
More salary data for Pooler, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Pooler in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Pooler?
Are occupational therapists in Pooler paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Pooler?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Pooler?
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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 Pooler. 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 Pooler 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