Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Lewiston, ID: $46.71 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Lewiston, ID runs $46.71 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $97,146 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Lewiston's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.3, 5% below national), each hour of work buys what $49.01 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $58,290 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lewiston, Idaho, the projected 2026 occupational therapist hourly pay is $46.71, which is lower than the national average of $49.71. This variance presents distinct considerations for occupational therapists working part-time, especially those engaged for three days a week or opting for per-diem arrangements across various settings such as hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient clinics. For entry-level therapists, hourly wages start at approximately $35.84, while experienced professionals can earn up to $60.01 per hour, allowing for flexible schedules that cater to lifestyles that may prioritize work-life balance or additional outside commitments. Hourly rates are estimated from annual salary figures, indicating that while the potential exists for competitive pay, local market conditions and employer types can influence actual earning capacity.
About the Lewiston Market
Salary estimated from Idaho average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35.84 | $286.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.71 | $317.67 |
| Median (P50) | $46.71 | $373.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53.95 | $431.62 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60.01 | $480.09 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lewiston
Based on $46.71/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $46.71/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lewiston, ID can expect to earn approximately $97,150 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $56,048. With a cost-of-living index of 95.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lewiston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lewiston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,868.27 | $8,096 | $97,150 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,120.96 | $4,858 | $58,290 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $747.31 | $3,238 | $38,860 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Lewiston) | $46.71 |
| 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 Lewiston, ID earn a median of $97,146 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.05% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 3.80% below the Idaho state average of $100,984.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $46.71/hr = $58,290/year (purchasing power: $61,165).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $97,150/year (purchasing power: $101,941).
CoL index: 95.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$38.37/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$45.32/hr
2026 Current Est.
$46.71/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Lewiston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38.37/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $38.97/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.65/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $42.09/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $43.53/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.77/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $45.32/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46.71/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48.14/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Lewiston grew 18.1% from $38.37/hr (2019) to $45.32/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $48.14/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 Lewiston 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 Lewiston
When evaluating the financial landscape of occupational therapy in Lewiston, part-time therapists working a schedule of 24 hours per week can expect to take home a significantly reduced annual compensation when compared to full-time professionals. Per diem occupational therapist pay in Lewiston typically ranges from $50 to $75 per hour, with specialized hand therapy practitioners holding the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential commanding rates between $80 and $110 per hour in cash-pay settings. Travel contracts in this field may offer lucrative wages of $1,800 to $2,800 weekly, enticing OTs to consider temporary positions. Different employer types—such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital inpatient rehab, and school districts—can present varied hourly compensation, where some may offer better benefits at the cost of lower hourly rates. Negotiation tips for Lewiston include understanding local market trends and being prepared to discuss benefits versus pay to secure favorable working conditions in a city where occupational therapist hourly pay can reflect the prevailing economic conditions and demands of the job marketplace.
More salary data for Lewiston, ID:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Lewiston in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Lewiston?
Are occupational therapists in Lewiston paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Lewiston?
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Career Resources
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 Lewiston. 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 Lewiston 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