Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Hopkinsville, KY: $46.18 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Hopkinsville, KY runs $46.18 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $96,054 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Hopkinsville's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.3, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $51.71 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $57,634 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapists in Hopkinsville, KY, can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $46.18, which is slightly below the national median hourly rate of $49.71. This rate makes part-time work viable, as those working three days a week could earn a steady income while balancing personal commitments or further education. Those employed in diverse settings, such as hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, school therapy rooms, or home health visits, will find that hourly earnings can range considerably based on experience, skills, and specific roles. Entry-level occupational therapists might earn around $32.64 per hour, whereas the most experienced professionals could reach hourly rates of $60.40, reflecting the varying complexities of positions available in the local market.
About the Hopkinsville Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32.64 | $261.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.19 | $297.55 |
| Median (P50) | $46.18 | $369.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52.41 | $419.25 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60.40 | $483.23 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hopkinsville
Based on $46.18/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $46.18/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hopkinsville, KY can expect to earn approximately $96,057 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $55,417. With a cost-of-living index of 89.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Hopkinsville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hopkinsville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,847.25 | $8,005 | $96,057 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,108.35 | $4,803 | $57,634 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $738.90 | $3,202 | $38,423 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Hopkinsville) | $46.18 |
| 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 Hopkinsville, KY earn a median of $96,054 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.10% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 2.60% below the Kentucky state average of $98,618.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $46.18/hr = $57,634/year (purchasing power: $64,540).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $96,057/year (purchasing power: $107,566).
CoL index: 89.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$37.94/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$44.81/hr
2026 Current Est.
$46.18/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Hopkinsville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37.94/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $38.53/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.22/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $41.62/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $43.04/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.82/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $44.81/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46.18/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47.59/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Hopkinsville grew 18.1% from $37.94/hr (2019) to $44.81/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $47.59/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 Hopkinsville 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 Hopkinsville
Evaluating the earning potential for a part-time occupational therapist can be enlightening. For instance, a 3-day workweek accounting for 24 hours could yield around $54,200 annually, significantly less than a full-time equivalent. On the other hand, per diem occupational therapists often earn between $50 and $75 per hour in Hopkinsville, presenting an appealing alternative for flexible schedules. Those with the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential may command even higher rates, reaching $80 to $110 per hour. Different employers in Hopkinsville offer varying compensations, with skilled nursing facilities and outpatient clinics sometimes providing lower hourly rates with significant benefits. In contrast, independent contractors or agency positions might provide higher pay but lack those perks, prompting many therapists to negotiate carefully around their hourly rates and benefits to align with their financial needs and career aspirations.
More salary data for Hopkinsville, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Hopkinsville in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Hopkinsville?
Are occupational therapists in Hopkinsville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Hopkinsville?
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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 Hopkinsville. 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 Hopkinsville 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