Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Savannah, GA: $47.48 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Savannah, GA runs $47.48 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $98,762 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Savannah's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.2, 5% below national), each hour of work buys what $49.87 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $59,255 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Savannah, Georgia, the projected median hourly rate for occupational therapists is $47.48, which positions it slightly below the national median of $49.71. This pay rate reveals opportunities for both full-time and part-time positions, with part-time therapists working a three-day week typically earning a substantial income despite their reduced hours. The hourly wage varies widely, ranging from $31.63 for entry-level positions to $59.33 for those at the top of their profession, reflecting the different skill levels and areas of specialization within the field. Given the various settings occupational therapists work in—be it hospital rehab units, skilled nursing facilities, or outpatient clinics—the flexibility in hours can also appeal to those seeking per-diem roles, capitalizing on the demand across different environments. This information stems from 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected into 2026.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31.63 | $253.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.16 | $321.30 |
| Median (P50) | $47.48 | $379.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53.92 | $431.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59.33 | $474.65 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Savannah
Based on $47.48/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.48/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Savannah, GA can expect to earn approximately $98,758 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $56,976. With a cost-of-living index of 95.21 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Savannah.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Savannah
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,899.19 | $8,230 | $98,758 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,139.51 | $4,938 | $59,255 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $759.68 | $3,292 | $39,503 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Savannah) | $47.48 |
| 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 Savannah, GA earn a median of $98,762 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.49% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 3.20% below the Georgia state average of $102,027.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.48/hr = $59,255/year (purchasing power: $62,238).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $98,758/year (purchasing power: $103,731).
CoL index: 95.206 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$35.91/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.07/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.48/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Savannah (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35.91/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $37.59/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $40.12/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $47.81/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $46.98/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.22/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.07/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.48/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48.93/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Savannah grew 28.3% from $35.91/hr (2019) to $46.07/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $48.93/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 Savannah 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 Savannah
Considering part-time earnings, a therapist working 24 hours a week might take home approximately $59,000 annually, significantly less than their full-time counterparts, yet still a respectable figure for a reduced schedule. The reality of per diem occupational therapist pay in Savannah can skew higher, with many professionals billing between $50 and $75 per hour, particularly those with CHT certification, who draw premium rates of $80 to $110 per hour in cash-pay practices. Hourly rates are influenced by the type of employer; for instance, skilled nursing facilities and early intervention programs may offer different compensation structures. Moreover, some occupational therapists opt for lower hourly rates tied to health insurance benefits, while others prioritize higher pay without such perks. Negotiating based on local trends and emphasizing advanced credentials like CHT can empower therapists to maximize their earnings in Savannah, GA.
More salary data for Savannah, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Savannah in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Savannah?
Are occupational therapists in Savannah paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Savannah?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Savannah?
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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 Savannah. 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