Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Taylor, MI: $42.00 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Taylor, MI runs $42.00 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $87,353 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Taylor's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $45.06 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,412 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Taylor, Michigan, the projected median hourly pay for occupational therapists in 2026 stands at $42.00, which is notably lower than the national median of $49.71. This hourly rate reflects the compensation available to professionals working within various settings such as hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, school therapy rooms, and home health visits. For those considering part-time work, such as a 24-hour week over three days, the pay translates to a manageable income. The hourly compensation in Taylor ranges from $28.36 for entry-level positions to $53.75 for the highest earners, illustrating a potential pathway for growth within the field. These estimates are derived from annual salary data, providing a framework for understanding occupational therapist hourly pay in Taylor while keeping the context of local demand and cost of living in mind.
About the Taylor 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) | $28.36 | $226.90 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.64 | $285.11 |
| Median (P50) | $42.00 | $335.98 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.13 | $385.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.75 | $429.97 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Taylor
Based on $42.00/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.00/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Taylor, MI can expect to earn approximately $87,354 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,396. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Taylor.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Taylor
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,679.88 | $7,279 | $87,354 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,007.93 | $4,368 | $52,412 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $671.95 | $2,912 | $34,941 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Taylor) | $42.00 |
| 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 Taylor, MI earn a median of $87,353 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.52% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 0.90% below the Michigan state average of $88,146.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.00/hr = $52,412/year (purchasing power: $56,236).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $87,354/year (purchasing power: $93,727).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$34.50/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.75/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.00/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Taylor (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.50/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.04/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.76/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.85/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $39.14/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.18/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.75/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.00/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.28/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Taylor grew 18.1% from $34.50/hr (2019) to $40.75/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.28/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 Taylor 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 Taylor
Examining the earning potential for part-time occupational therapists reveals a significant difference when comparing full-time and per diem work. A therapist working three days a week would likely earn around $52,416 annually, compared to their full-time counterparts earning a median of $87,353. Moreover, the per diem occupational therapist pay in Taylor can be attractive, with professionals typically billing anywhere from $50 to $75 per hour, and those with the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential potentially achieving rates between $80 and $110 per hour, particularly if they work in cash-pay settings. Additionally, travel contract opportunities can yield $1,800 to $2,800 a week. Occupational therapists may find variables in hourly pay depending on their work environment—such as schools, inpatient rehabilitation, or home health—and many choose to accept lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance. Negotiation tactics can also be beneficial to maximize hourly wages, especially for those familiar with local practices and specialized certifications, such as OT licensing obtained through the NBCOT.
More salary data for Taylor, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Taylor in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Taylor?
Are occupational therapists in Taylor paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Taylor?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Taylor?
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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 Taylor. 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 Taylor 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