Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Bethesda, MD: $52.48 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Bethesda, MD runs $52.48 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $109,161 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Bethesda's regional price level (BEA RPP 109.3, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $48.01 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $65,493 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the occupational therapist hourly pay in Bethesda, Maryland, is projected to be $52.48, which surpasses the national hourly median of $49.71. This hourly rate is particularly beneficial for part-time occupational therapists working in various settings such as hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, schools, and outpatient clinics. For those working three days a week, a typical schedule would yield a significant income from their practice. The hourly earnings not only reflect a range from $37.53 at the entry level to about $69.78 for the most experienced practitioners, but they also emphasize the capacity for diverse employment arrangements, whether full-time or per diem. These figures, derived from annual salary data, highlight how competitive the compensation can be in a suburban market like Bethesda.
About the Bethesda Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($95,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.53 | $300.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.96 | $343.64 |
| Median (P50) | $52.48 | $419.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $61.71 | $493.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $69.78 | $558.26 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bethesda
Based on $52.48/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $52.48/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bethesda, MD can expect to earn approximately $109,155 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $62,974. With a cost-of-living index of 109.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bethesda.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bethesda
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,099.13 | $9,096 | $109,155 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,259.48 | $5,458 | $65,493 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $839.65 | $3,638 | $43,662 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Bethesda) | $52.48 |
| 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 Bethesda, MD earn a median of $109,161 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.57% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 3.40% below the Maryland state average of $113,003.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $52.48/hr = $65,493/year (purchasing power: $59,920).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $109,155/year (purchasing power: $99,867).
CoL index: 109.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$43.11/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$50.92/hr
2026 Current Est.
$52.48/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Bethesda (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43.11/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $43.79/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $43.43/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $47.29/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $48.91/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $48.22/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $50.92/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52.48/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54.08/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Bethesda grew 18.1% from $43.11/hr (2019) to $50.92/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $54.08/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 Bethesda 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 Bethesda
Examining the financial reality of part-time occupational therapists reveals that working a 24-hour week can provide a solid annual income compared to full-time positions. While many full-time occupational therapists receive benefits, per diem or agency roles often offer more flexible but variable pay opportunities, typically around $50-$75/hr, and even higher for specialized credentials like the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT), which may command rates between $80-$110/hr. Travel OT contracts can be lucrative as well, running between $1,800-$2,800 weekly. In Bethesda, the type of employer significantly impacts hourly wages; those in skilled nursing facilities or school districts may earn differently than therapists in outpatient clinics or mental health settings. Occupational therapists must weigh the benefits of employment stability against potentially higher hourly rates without benefits. For those negotiating positions in Bethesda, emphasizing specialty qualifications and willingness to work flexible hours can be crucial in securing a more favorable rate.
More salary data for Bethesda, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Bethesda in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Bethesda?
Are occupational therapists in Bethesda paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Bethesda?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Bethesda?
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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 Bethesda. 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 Bethesda 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