Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Saginaw, MI: $47.60 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Saginaw, MI runs $47.60 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $99,010 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Saginaw's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $52.37 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $59,409 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Saginaw, Michigan, the hourly compensation for occupational therapists stands at $47.60, slightly below the national median of $49.71. This rate enables different work arrangements, including part-time roles typically held for three days a week or per-diem positions. These opportunities are prevalent in varied settings like hospital rehab units, skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and school districts. For new graduates or less experienced therapists, the hourly starting pay is around $38.47, whereas seasoned professionals can command up to $94.16 per hour, according to official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data. With such a range, this pay structure highlights the potential for financial growth based on experience, skill specialization, and the work environment.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.47 | $307.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.75 | $318.00 |
| Median (P50) | $47.60 | $380.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51.53 | $412.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $94.16 | $753.24 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Saginaw
Based on $47.60/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.60/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Saginaw, MI can expect to earn approximately $99,015 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $57,124. With a cost-of-living index of 90.89 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Saginaw.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Saginaw
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,904.14 | $8,251 | $99,015 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,142.48 | $4,951 | $59,409 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $761.65 | $3,301 | $39,606 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Saginaw) | $47.60 |
| 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 Saginaw, MI earn a median of $99,010 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.25% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 12.30% above the Michigan state average of $88,165.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.60/hr = $59,409/year (purchasing power: $65,363).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $99,015/year (purchasing power: $108,938).
CoL index: 90.891 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$37.58/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.19/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.60/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+30.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Saginaw (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37.58/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $39.81/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.82/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $40.11/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $42.47/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $45.34/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.19/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.60/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.06/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Saginaw grew 22.9% from $37.58/hr (2019) to $46.19/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.06/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 Saginaw 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 Saginaw
Considering the part-time earning potential, those working 24 hours a week could expect significant yearly take-home pay, especially compared to their full-time counterparts. Often, per diem occupational therapists in Saginaw may bill between $50 and $75 per hour, giving them flexible earning options without the commitments of full-time positions. In specialty areas, such as certified hand therapy, hourly rates can reach $80 to $110 in cash-pay practices, while travel contracts may yield $1,800 to $2,800 weekly. Various employer types, including skilled nursing facilities and mental health agencies, also influence pay rates, as benefits packages sometimes lower the hourly wage in exchange for stability. Negotiating offers can be crucial, especially in a market where flexibility and compensation vary widely based on specific job requirements and locations in Saginaw, MI.
More salary data for Saginaw, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Saginaw in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Saginaw?
Are occupational therapists in Saginaw paid hourly or salary?
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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 Saginaw. 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