Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Farmington Hills, MI: $42.45 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Farmington Hills, MI runs $42.45 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $88,296 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Farmington Hills's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $45.55 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,978 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the occupational therapist hourly pay in Farmington Hills is projected to be $42.45, which falls short of the national hourly median of $49.71. This means that professionals working part-time, such as those undertaking shifts three days a week, will earn a competitive yet somewhat diminished income compared to their peers in different regions. For instance, at this hourly wage, a part-time therapist could expect to make around $32,235 annually. Additionally, entry-level occupational therapists may start at approximately $29.40 per hour, while those at the top of the pay scale can earn as much as $57.94 per hour. The hourly rates reflect a range influenced by work settings such as hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient clinics, all of which contribute to the diverse experiences and potential earnings of OTs in this specific market.
About the Farmington Hills Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($86,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29.40 | $235.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.02 | $272.16 |
| Median (P50) | $42.45 | $339.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.20 | $393.61 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57.94 | $463.52 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Farmington Hills
Based on $42.45/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.45/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Farmington Hills, MI can expect to earn approximately $88,297 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,940. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Farmington Hills.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Farmington Hills
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,698.02 | $7,358 | $88,297 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,018.81 | $4,415 | $52,978 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $679.21 | $2,943 | $35,319 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Farmington Hills) | $42.45 |
| 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 Farmington Hills, MI earn a median of $88,296 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.61% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 0.10% above the Michigan state average of $88,207.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.45/hr = $52,978/year (purchasing power: $56,843).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $88,297/year (purchasing power: $94,739).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$34.88/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.19/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.45/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Farmington Hills (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.88/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.42/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.13/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.25/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $39.56/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.59/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.19/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.45/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.75/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Farmington Hills grew 18.1% from $34.88/hr (2019) to $41.19/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.75/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 Farmington Hills 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 Farmington Hills
Looking into the financial aspects for occupational therapists in Farmington Hills reveals various earning potentials, particularly for part-time workers and those seeking per diem opportunities. An occupational therapist working a standard schedule of three days a week could bring home about $32,235 annually, versus a full-time therapist's income. Meanwhile, per diem occupational therapist pay in Farmington Hills typically ranges from $50 to $75 per hour, with CHT-credentialed therapists often commanding between $80 and $110 per hour in specialized cash-pay practices. Travel contracts can be lucrative too, sometimes offering $1,800 to $2,800 per week. Earnings can differ significantly depending on whether therapists work in skilled nursing facilities, schools, or outpatient clinics, presenting both benefits and trade-offs. While some may choose to accept lower hourly pay for the security of health benefits, others opt for higher rates without benefits. When negotiating hourly compensation, being aware of average rates, understanding location-specific pay trends, and outlining desired benefits can help occupational therapists in Farmington Hills secure a more favorable pay structure.
More salary data for Farmington Hills, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Farmington Hills in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Farmington Hills?
Are occupational therapists in Farmington Hills paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Farmington Hills?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Farmington Hills?
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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 Farmington Hills. 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 Farmington Hills 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