Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Flint, MI: $42.39 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Flint, MI runs $42.39 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $88,168 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Flint's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.0, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $45.56 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,901 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Flint, Michigan, the occupational therapist hourly pay is projected at $42.39 in 2026, which sits below the national median of $49.71 per hour. This rate is significant for both part-time and per-diem workers in various settings, such as hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient clinics. For instance, working three days a week, an occupational therapist can expect to earn around $1,254 weekly based on this hourly rate. The range of pay spans from $31.40 per hour for entry-level positions to potentially $51.67 for the top earners in the field. These figures represent official Bureau of Labor Statistics data and highlight the financial dynamics of occupational therapy work in Flint.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31.40 | $251.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.60 | $308.77 |
| Median (P50) | $42.39 | $339.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.57 | $380.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.67 | $413.39 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Flint
Based on $42.39/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.39/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Flint, MI can expect to earn approximately $88,168 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,866. With a cost-of-living index of 93.03 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Flint.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Flint
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,695.54 | $7,347 | $88,168 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,017.33 | $4,408 | $52,901 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $678.22 | $2,939 | $35,267 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Flint) | $42.39 |
| 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 Flint, MI earn a median of $88,168 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.73% lower than the national median of $103,400.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.39/hr = $52,901/year (purchasing power: $56,862).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $88,168/year (purchasing power: $94,770).
CoL index: 93.034 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$33.26/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.13/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.39/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+31.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Flint (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.26/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.51/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.82/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $39.55/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $40.01/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.33/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.13/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.39/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.69/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Flint grew 23.7% from $33.26/hr (2019) to $41.13/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.69/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 Flint 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 Flint
When considering part-time opportunities, an occupational therapist working 24 hours per week could expect an annual income of approximately $64,230, making it a viable option for those unwilling or unable to commit to full-time hours. Furthermore, the per diem occupational therapist pay in Flint can vary widely, with many professionals billing between $50-$75 per hour, while certified hand therapists can command rates as high as $80-$110 per hour. Employers, such as skilled nursing facilities and school districts, often provide more consistent hours at competitive rates, although they typically offer lower hourly wages compared to agency work. For OTs seeking to negotiate their hourly pay, it is crucial to consider both the potential for higher earnings when opting for per diem positions and the trade-offs associated with employee benefits, which are often included in salaried roles. Understanding these dynamics will aid therapists in making informed career choices in Flint's healthcare environment.
More salary data for Flint, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Flint in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Flint?
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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 Flint. 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