Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Pocatello, ID: $44.97 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Pocatello, ID runs $44.97 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $93,517 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Pocatello's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.9, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $50.58 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $56,116 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Occupational therapists in Pocatello, Idaho, earn a median hourly rate of $44.97, which falls below the national median of $49.71. This hourly wage impacts both full-time and part-time workers, including those who might work a typical schedule of three days a week in various settings, such as hospital rehab units and outpatient therapy clinics. For part-time or per-diem professionals, the ability to earn between $24.02 and $52.61 per hour offers flexibility; individuals can tailor their workloads around personal commitments while still gaining meaningful experience. The established hourly figures are grounded in reliable data, providing a clear benchmark for both new and experienced occupational therapists looking to establish their earning potential in this Idaho market.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.02 | $192.19 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.65 | $309.18 |
| Median (P50) | $44.97 | $359.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.23 | $385.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.61 | $420.90 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pocatello
Based on $44.97/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $44.97/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pocatello, ID can expect to earn approximately $93,527 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $53,958. With a cost-of-living index of 88.91 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Pocatello.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pocatello
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,798.60 | $7,794 | $93,527 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,079.16 | $4,676 | $56,116 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $719.44 | $3,118 | $37,411 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Pocatello) | $44.97 |
| 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 Pocatello, ID earn a median of $93,517 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.56% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 7.40% below the Idaho state average of $100,990.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $44.97/hr = $56,116/year (purchasing power: $63,119).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $93,527/year (purchasing power: $105,198).
CoL index: 88.906 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$41.32/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$43.63/hr
2026 Current Est.
$44.97/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+12.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Pocatello (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41.32/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $42.47/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.11/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $40.52/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $41.91/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.47/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $43.63/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44.97/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46.34/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Pocatello grew 5.6% from $41.32/hr (2019) to $43.63/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $46.34/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 Pocatello 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 Pocatello
Focusing on part-time earnings, an occupational therapist working an average of 24 hours each week will likely see a substantial annual income that is still significantly lower than a full-time counterpart. While many per-diem occupational therapists bill between $50 and $75 per hour, there are lucrative opportunities for those with specialized credentials, such as a Certified Hand Therapist, whose rates can range from $80 to $110 per hour. In Pocatello, hourly rates differ by employer types — from skilled nursing facilities to school district contracts — affecting overall earnings. Some therapists might accept lower hourly pay for the benefits that come with a full-time position, like health insurance, while others may opt for higher hourly rates without benefits for the flexibility and autonomy it offers. Understanding local negotiation dynamics can lead to better compensation agreements; it is essential for occupational therapists to research market rates and advocate for their value effectively.
More salary data for Pocatello, ID:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Pocatello in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Pocatello?
Are occupational therapists in Pocatello paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Pocatello?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Pocatello?
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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 Pocatello. 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, 5-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