Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Mount Pleasant, MI: $39.54 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Mount Pleasant, MI runs $39.54 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $82,245 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Mount Pleasant's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $42.43 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,351 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Occupational therapists in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, see a median hourly rate of $39.54, which is significantly lower than the national median of $49.71. This disparity impacts part-time and per-diem occupational therapists working in various settings, including hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, and early intervention programs. The hourly rate range within the area spans from $31.34 for entry-level positions to $49.21 for seasoned professionals, emphasizing the financial potential for those who reach the upper tier of experience. Such hourly estimates are calculated from annual salary data and provide insight into what therapists can expect to earn while providing essential services in their communities.
About the Mount Pleasant 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) | $31.34 | $250.72 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.20 | $273.56 |
| Median (P50) | $39.54 | $316.35 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43.58 | $348.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.21 | $393.69 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Mount Pleasant
Based on $39.54/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.54/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Mount Pleasant, MI can expect to earn approximately $82,252 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,453. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Mount Pleasant.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Mount Pleasant
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,581.76 | $6,854 | $82,252 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $949.06 | $4,113 | $49,351 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $632.71 | $2,742 | $32,901 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Mount Pleasant) | $39.54 |
| 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 Mount Pleasant, MI earn a median of $82,245 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.46% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 6.70% below the Michigan state average of $88,151.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.54/hr = $49,351/year (purchasing power: $52,952).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $82,252/year (purchasing power: $88,253).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$32.49/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.37/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.54/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Mount Pleasant (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.49/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.00/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.73/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.64/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.86/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.95/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.37/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.54/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.75/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Mount Pleasant grew 18.1% from $32.49/hr (2019) to $38.37/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.75/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 Mount Pleasant 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 Mount Pleasant
Considering a part-time occupational therapist working three days a week, or approximately 24 hours total, could expect to take home around $49,843 annually versus a full-time counterpart who earns significantly more. For those seeking more flexible earning arrangements, per-diem occupational therapist pay in Mount Pleasant typically ranges from $50-$75 per hour, while certified hand therapists may command rates as high as $80-$110 for specialized cash-pay practices. Hourly rates vary among employer types, with skilled nursing facilities and school districts generally offering lower compensation but potentially including health benefits. Negotiating effectively can help practitioners secure better pay, and many find value in balancing the hourly rate with the security offered by traditional employment, particularly in a market where the growth rate for occupational therapy is projected at 3.06% annually.
More salary data for Mount Pleasant, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Mount Pleasant in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Mount Pleasant?
Are occupational therapists in Mount Pleasant paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Mount Pleasant?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Mount Pleasant?
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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 Mount Pleasant. 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 Mount Pleasant 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