Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Frederick, MD: $53.16 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Frederick, MD runs $53.16 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $110,566 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Frederick's regional price level (BEA RPP 109.3, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $48.64 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $66,342 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Frederick, Maryland, occupational therapists can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $53.16, which exceeds the national hourly median of $49.71 by approximately 6.93%. This competitive rate enhances the appeal of part-time positions, particularly for those working three days a week, as they can maintain a solid income while enjoying flexibility in their schedules. The hourly wage for occupational therapists in Frederick spans from $39.30 for entry-level practitioners to $72.02 for those in the top 10% of earners. These figures are derived from projected annual salary data, reflecting earnings that support professionals working in diverse environments such as hospital rehab units, skilled nursing facilities, school settings, and home health visits.
About the Frederick 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) | $39.30 | $314.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44.31 | $354.44 |
| Median (P50) | $53.16 | $425.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $63.31 | $506.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $72.02 | $576.15 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Frederick
Based on $53.16/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $53.16/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Frederick, MD can expect to earn approximately $110,569 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $63,790. With a cost-of-living index of 109.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Frederick.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Frederick
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,126.33 | $9,214 | $110,569 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,275.80 | $5,528 | $66,342 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $850.53 | $3,686 | $44,228 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Frederick) | $53.16 |
| 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 Frederick, MD earn a median of $110,566 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.93% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 2.20% below the Maryland state average of $113,053.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $53.16/hr = $66,342/year (purchasing power: $60,697).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $110,569/year (purchasing power: $101,161).
CoL index: 109.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$43.67/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$51.58/hr
2026 Current Est.
$53.16/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Frederick (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43.67/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $44.36/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $43.99/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $47.90/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $49.54/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $48.84/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $51.58/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53.16/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54.78/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Frederick grew 18.1% from $43.67/hr (2019) to $51.58/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $54.78/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 Frederick 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 Frederick
For those considering part-time work, an occupational therapist in Frederick working 24 hours a week could potentially earn around $41,301 annually, a figure that contrasts significantly with the earnings of a full-time employee. Per diem occupational therapist pay in Frederick typically ranges from $50 to $75 per hour, while specialized certified hand therapists can bill upwards of $80 to $110 per hour in cash-pay scenarios. Additionally, travel contracts for occupational therapists often yield earnings between $1,800 and $2,800 per week. Hourly rates can differ based on employer type, with positions at skilled nursing facilities generally offering lower wages compared to outpatient clinics or private practice. Furthermore, therapists might weigh the benefits of lower hourly pay with health insurance and job stability against higher hourly rates that lack benefits. Negotiating for better rates or optimal working conditions is crucial in Frederick's competitive market, especially as therapists advocate for their worth in various settings, from early intervention programs to mental health facilities.
More salary data for Frederick, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Frederick in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Frederick?
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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 Frederick. 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 Frederick 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