Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Murray, KY: $44.33 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Murray, KY runs $44.33 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $92,194 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Murray's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.3, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $49.64 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $55,319 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Murray, Kentucky, the occupational therapist hourly pay stands at $44.33, which is notably lower than the national median of $49.71. This hourly rate presents both opportunities and challenges for part-time and per-diem therapists working in diverse environments such as hospital rehab units, skilled nursing facilities, and school settings. For those working three days a week, consistently clocking hours at this median rate would amount to a manageable and modest weekly income. The hourly range varies widely, with new therapists beginning at around $35.37 and experienced professionals reaching up to $55.49. It is vital for OTs in Murray to recognize that these rates are derived from broader annual salary estimates, which reflect regional demand for services—especially as more therapists transition into specialized roles that require additional certifications like the CHT.
About the Murray 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) | $35.37 | $282.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.47 | $307.78 |
| Median (P50) | $44.33 | $354.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.59 | $404.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55.49 | $443.90 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Murray
Based on $44.33/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $44.33/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Murray, KY can expect to earn approximately $92,198 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $53,191. With a cost-of-living index of 89.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Murray.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Murray
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,773.04 | $7,683 | $92,198 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,063.83 | $4,610 | $55,319 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $709.22 | $3,073 | $36,879 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Murray) | $44.33 |
| 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 Murray, KY earn a median of $92,194 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.84% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 6.50% below the Kentucky state average of $98,604.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $44.33/hr = $55,319/year (purchasing power: $61,947).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $92,198/year (purchasing power: $103,246).
CoL index: 89.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$36.42/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$43.01/hr
2026 Current Est.
$44.33/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Murray (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36.42/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $36.99/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.68/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $39.94/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $41.31/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.34/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $43.01/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44.33/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45.68/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Murray grew 18.1% from $36.42/hr (2019) to $43.01/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $45.68/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 Murray 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 Murray
Part-time occupational therapists who work 24 hours a week in Murray could expect to earn around $55,000 annually, presenting a stark contrast to full-time colleagues. Per-diem positions or agency roles can considerably boost earnings; many OTs may find themselves billing between $50 and $75 per hour, while CHT-certified hand therapists can command rates as high as $80 to $110 per hour in private practices. Travel contracts also offer lucrative weekly payouts, ranging from $1,800 to $2,800. Employment settings drastically influence hourly compensation, with skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and home health agencies each offering varying rates and benefits. Consequently, some may choose lower-paying roles that provide health insurance over higher pay without benefits. For occupational therapists in Murray, negotiating hourly rates effectively hinges on understanding local market conditions and appropriate compensation for certifications and specialties.
More salary data for Murray, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Murray in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Murray?
Are occupational therapists in Murray paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Murray?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Murray?
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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 Murray. 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 Murray 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