Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Bowling Green, KY: $41.74 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Bowling Green, KY runs $41.74 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $86,828 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Bowling Green's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.2, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $46.28 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,091 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Occupational therapists in Bowling Green, Kentucky, can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $41.74, which is significantly lower than the national median of $49.71. This means that for therapists seeking part-time work, like those taking shifts in various therapy settings—ranging from hospital rehabilitation units to outpatient clinics—earning potential is closely linked to the hours worked. For example, a therapist working three days a week might find flexible options conducive to a balanced lifestyle. The hourly pay for occupational therapists in this area varies widely, from $32.28 at the entry level to $55.02 for the top earners, providing a diverse spectrum of opportunities for professionals at different stages in their careers. These figures are derived from the official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data and reflect the evolving job market in Kentucky.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32.28 | $258.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.70 | $325.59 |
| Median (P50) | $41.74 | $333.91 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.22 | $401.77 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55.02 | $440.19 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bowling Green
Based on $41.74/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.74/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bowling Green, KY can expect to earn approximately $86,818 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,087. With a cost-of-living index of 90.18 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Bowling Green.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bowling Green
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,669.57 | $7,235 | $86,818 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,001.74 | $4,341 | $52,091 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $667.83 | $2,894 | $34,727 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Bowling Green) | $41.74 |
| 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 Bowling Green, KY earn a median of $86,828 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.03% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 11.90% below the Kentucky state average of $98,556.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.74/hr = $52,091/year (purchasing power: $57,764).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $86,818/year (purchasing power: $96,273).
CoL index: 90.179 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$44.45/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.50/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.74/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+-3.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Bowling Green (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44.45/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.83/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.64/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.83/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $39.03/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.58/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.50/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.74/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.02/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Bowling Green grew -8.9% from $44.45/hr (2019) to $40.50/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.02/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 Bowling Green 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 Bowling Green
When considering the earning potential for occupational therapists in Bowling Green, it is crucial to examine part-time vs. full-time opportunities. A therapist working a 24-hour week could expect a take-home amount significantly lower than their full-time counterparts, making it essential for part-time professionals to assess their financial goals carefully. For those working per diem, the landscape offers more lucrative hourly rates, often ranging from $50 to $75, especially for CHT-credentialed therapists, who can command even higher rates in specialized settings. Different employer types further influence pay scales, with skilled nursing facilities, hospital setups, and private practices each presenting unique compensation structures. Additionally, therapists may need to weigh the benefits of higher pay against offerings like health insurance and retirement plans. For those negotiating their hourly rates in Bowling Green, articulating one's specialization and qualifications could be a strategic advantage in securing a more favorable compensation package.
More salary data for Bowling Green, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Bowling Green in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Bowling Green?
Are occupational therapists in Bowling Green paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Bowling Green?
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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 Bowling Green. 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, 6-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