Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Boise City, ID: $48.57 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Boise City, ID runs $48.57 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $101,019 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Boise City's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.4, 2% below national), each hour of work buys what $49.37 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,618 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Boise City, Idaho, the occupational therapist hourly pay is projected to be $48.57 in 2026, which positions it slightly below the national hourly median of $49.71. This rate is an essential benchmark for those considering part-time or per-diem opportunities in various settings, such as hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, school therapy rooms, and outpatient hand therapy clinics. For example, an occupational therapist working part-time at three days a week could earn approximately $37,000 annually. The hourly wage varies considerably, ranging from $36.82 for entry-level positions to $79.64 for top earners actively practicing in Boise City. These figures come from data derived from the 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, giving a clear outlook on what to expect from a career in this field.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36.82 | $294.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.32 | $338.53 |
| Median (P50) | $48.57 | $388.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53.87 | $430.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $79.64 | $637.16 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Boise City
Based on $48.57/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.57/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Boise City, ID can expect to earn approximately $101,030 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,287. With a cost-of-living index of 98.39 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Boise City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Boise City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,942.89 | $8,419 | $101,030 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,165.73 | $5,052 | $60,618 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $777.15 | $3,368 | $40,412 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Boise City) | $48.57 |
| 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 Boise City, ID earn a median of $101,019 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.30% lower than the national median of $103,400.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.57/hr = $60,618/year (purchasing power: $61,609).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $101,030/year (purchasing power: $102,682).
CoL index: 98.391 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$40.88/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.13/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.57/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Boise City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40.88/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $39.97/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.16/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $40.02/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $43.31/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.72/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.13/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.57/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.06/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Boise City grew 15.3% from $40.88/hr (2019) to $47.13/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.06/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 Boise City 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 Boise City
Exploring the part-time earning potential reveals that an occupational therapist working 24 hours per week can bring home much less annually than a full-time professional. To provide some context, per diem occupational therapists in Boise City might bill between $50 and $75 per hour, while specialty hand therapists holding a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential can command rates as high as $80 to $110 per hour in cash-pay practices. Moreover, travel OT contracts often yield substantial weekly compensation ranging from $1,800 to $2,800. Hourly rates tend to fluctuate significantly depending on the employer type, whether it’s skilled nursing, early intervention programs, or school district contracts, influencing not just earnings but also benefits. Some therapists might prefer lower hourly wages that come with health insurance benefits instead of pursuing higher pay without such advantages. Negotiating these details is critical, especially in a market like Boise City, where clear expectations and knowledge of average rates can guide OTs in seeking suitable roles or compensation packages.
More salary data for Boise City, ID:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Boise City in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Boise City?
Are occupational therapists in Boise City paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Boise City?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Boise City?
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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 Boise City. 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