Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Garden City, KS: $44.78 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Garden City, KS runs $44.78 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $93,151 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Garden City's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $49.26 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $55,885 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapists in Garden City, KS, earn a median hourly pay of $44.78, which reflects a competitive rate within the region but is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $49.71. This pay scale can be an attractive option for part-time therapists working a 3-day week in various settings, such as hospital rehabilitation units, outpatient therapy clinics, or home health visits. For those considering per-diem positions, this hourly rate does allow for a good income potential, especially in diverse therapy environments. The hourly pay ranges from $32.87 at the entry-level (P10) to $55.71 for seasoned professionals (P90), illustrating clear advancement opportunities within this rewarding field. These figures provide insights primarily estimated from annual salary data and highlight the local job market's standing.
About the Garden City Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($85,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32.87 | $262.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.00 | $295.99 |
| Median (P50) | $44.78 | $358.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51.68 | $413.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55.71 | $445.71 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Garden City
Based on $44.78/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $44.78/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Garden City, KS can expect to earn approximately $93,142 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $53,735. With a cost-of-living index of 90.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Garden City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Garden City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,791.18 | $7,762 | $93,142 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,074.71 | $4,657 | $55,885 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $716.47 | $3,105 | $37,257 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Garden City) | $44.78 |
| 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 Garden City, KS earn a median of $93,151 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.91% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 0.90% below the Kansas state average of $93,997.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $44.78/hr = $55,885/year (purchasing power: $61,480).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $93,142/year (purchasing power: $102,466).
CoL index: 90.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$36.79/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$43.45/hr
2026 Current Est.
$44.78/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Garden City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36.79/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $37.37/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.06/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $40.35/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $41.74/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.81/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $43.45/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44.78/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46.15/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Garden City grew 18.1% from $36.79/hr (2019) to $43.45/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $46.15/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 Garden 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 Garden City
For those working part-time as occupational therapists in Garden City, taking on a 24-hour work week translates to an annual income of approximately $55,000, compared to full-time counterparts who might expect to earn around $93,151. Per diem and agency occupational therapists enjoy a different earning trajectory, often billing rates between $50 to $75 per hour. Highly specialized hand therapists with a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) affiliation can command hourly rates that soar to $80-$110 in cash-pay practices, while travel contracts can yield $1,800-$2,800 weekly. Work environments vary, with hourly rates influenced by whether one is employed in skilled nursing, outpatient clinics, or early intervention programs. Some therapists might opt for lower hourly rates at larger healthcare facilities where benefits are offered, trading off higher pay for health insurance and job stability. With this landscape in mind, negotiating effectively—considering factors like workload, benefits, and job security—becomes essential for prospective and current occupational therapists in Garden City.
More salary data for Garden City, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Garden City in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Garden City?
Are occupational therapists in Garden City paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Garden City?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Garden 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 Garden 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
Salary data for Garden City 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