Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Bay City, MI: $40.07 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Bay City, MI runs $40.07 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $83,355 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Bay City's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.9, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $43.59 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,007 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Bay City, MI, the current occupational therapist hourly pay stands at $40.07. This figure falls below the national median of $49.71, highlighting a difference that may impact entry-level practitioners and seasoned professionals alike. For those who prefer part-time work—such as a 3-day-a-week schedule—this hourly rate offers a viable income option across various settings, including hospital rehab units, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient clinics. For per-diem occupational therapists, hourly earnings still align closely with Bay City's rates, providing flexibility to work with clients in home health or early intervention scenarios. The local hourly range spans from $30.31 for entry-level practitioners to $47.71 for top earners, ensuring opportunities for growth and advancement in this essential healthcare field.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30.31 | $242.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.35 | $298.79 |
| Median (P50) | $40.07 | $320.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.79 | $374.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.71 | $381.65 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bay City
Based on $40.07/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.07/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bay City, MI can expect to earn approximately $83,345 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,084. With a cost-of-living index of 91.92 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Bay City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bay City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,602.79 | $6,945 | $83,345 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $961.67 | $4,167 | $50,007 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $641.12 | $2,778 | $33,338 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Bay City) | $40.07 |
| 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 Bay City, MI earn a median of $83,355 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.39% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 5.50% below the Michigan state average of $88,206.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.07/hr = $50,007/year (purchasing power: $54,402).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $83,345/year (purchasing power: $90,670).
CoL index: 91.921 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$32.16/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.88/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.07/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+28.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Bay City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.16/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.18/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.21/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.15/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.14/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.38/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.88/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.07/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.30/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Bay City grew 20.9% from $32.16/hr (2019) to $38.88/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.30/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 Bay City 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 Bay City
Exploring the financial implications of working part-time, a 3-day-a-week schedule for occupational therapists could yield an annual income of around $49,700, contrasting sharply with the prospects available to full-time employees. Many OTs engaging in per-diem roles find that they can negotiate pay upwards of $50 to $75 per hour, particularly in specialty areas such as hand therapy where rates can soar to $80 to $110 per hour. Occupational therapists working in varied settings such as schools, mental health facilities, and rehabilitation centers navigate a spectrum of pay rates dependent on employer and service demands. While some occupational therapists might choose positions with lower hourly rates for more comprehensive benefits, others prefer higher pay without such perks. Employing strategic negotiation techniques—like emphasizing specialized training or relevant credentials—can be effective, especially in a labor market shaped by evolving standards from organizations such as AOTA and NBCOT.
More salary data for Bay City, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Bay City in 2026?
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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 Bay City. 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, 7-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