Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Sandy Springs, GA: $53.63 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Sandy Springs, GA runs $53.63 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $111,548 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Sandy Springs's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.1, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $57.61 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $66,933 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapists in Sandy Springs, GA, can expect a median hourly rate of $53.63, which surpasses the national hourly median of $49.71. This competitive pay provides a substantial foundation for a flexible work life, especially for those considering part-time positions or per-diem work. A part-time occupational therapist working three days a week typically experiences increased earning potential, capable of finding opportunities in diverse settings like hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient therapy clinics. For entry-level professionals, the hourly pay starts around $37.25, while experienced therapists can achieve rates up to $69.94, forming a spectrum that reflects their skills and the complexity of their roles.
About the Sandy Springs 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) | $37.25 | $297.97 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43.07 | $344.55 |
| Median (P50) | $53.63 | $429.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $62.16 | $497.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $69.94 | $559.49 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sandy Springs
Based on $53.63/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $53.63/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sandy Springs, GA can expect to earn approximately $111,555 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $64,359. With a cost-of-living index of 93.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Sandy Springs.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sandy Springs
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,145.30 | $9,296 | $111,555 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,287.18 | $5,578 | $66,933 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $858.12 | $3,719 | $44,622 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Sandy Springs) | $53.63 |
| 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 Sandy Springs, GA earn a median of $111,548 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.88% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 9.30% above the Georgia state average of $102,057.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $53.63/hr = $66,933/year (purchasing power: $71,894).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $111,555/year (purchasing power: $119,823).
CoL index: 93.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$44.06/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$52.04/hr
2026 Current Est.
$53.63/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Sandy Springs (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44.06/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $44.75/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $44.38/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $48.33/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $49.99/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.56/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $52.04/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53.63/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55.27/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Sandy Springs grew 18.1% from $44.06/hr (2019) to $52.04/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $55.27/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 Sandy Springs 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 Sandy Springs
Part-time occupational therapists working 24 hours a week can still achieve a noteworthy annual income while maintaining a desirable work-life balance, potentially earning around $66,806 yearly. Conversely, per diem occupational therapy roles often lead to differing compensation scenarios; OTs in these positions typically bill between $50 to $75 an hour, while certified hand therapists can command anywhere from $80 to $110 in specialized cash-pay practices. Travel OT contracts further inflate earning potential, with weekly compensation ranging from $1,800 to $2,800. In Sandy Springs, hourly pay can also vary significantly based on employer type. Skilled nursing facilities and hospitals might offer different rates compared to outpatient clinics or schools, reflecting their diverse service demands. Therapists need to weigh the benefits of lower hourly rates that include health insurance against those that offer higher pay without benefits. Leveraging negotiation skills and understanding the local market can be crucial for securing the best occupational therapist hourly pay in Sandy Springs.
More salary data for Sandy Springs, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Sandy Springs in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Sandy Springs?
Are occupational therapists in Sandy Springs paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Sandy Springs?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Sandy Springs?
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 Sandy Springs. 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 Sandy Springs 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