Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Troy, MI: $42.65 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Troy, MI runs $42.65 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $88,714 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Troy's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $45.76 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $53,222 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Troy, Michigan, occupational therapist hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $42.65 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median of $49.71. This disparity may influence various work arrangements, especially for part-time and per-diem occupational therapists who often find opportunities in diverse environments like hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient therapy clinics. For those working three days a week, the average hourly earnings enable them to maintain a manageable work-life balance while still earning between $30.04 and $55.92, depending on experience and employer type. With entry-level positions beginning at $30.04 and highly experienced therapists earning up to $55.92 per hour, this range allows for a flexible path within the profession even in a locale like Troy, where opportunities can vary widely.
About the Troy 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) | $30.04 | $240.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.43 | $275.46 |
| Median (P50) | $42.65 | $341.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.69 | $397.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55.92 | $447.36 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Troy
Based on $42.65/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.65/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Troy, MI can expect to earn approximately $88,704 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $51,175. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Troy.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Troy
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,705.85 | $7,392 | $88,704 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,023.51 | $4,435 | $53,222 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $682.34 | $2,957 | $35,482 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Troy) | $42.65 |
| 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 Troy, MI earn a median of $88,714 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.20% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 0.60% above the Michigan state average of $88,185.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.65/hr = $53,222/year (purchasing power: $57,106).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $88,704/year (purchasing power: $95,176).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$35.04/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.38/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.65/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Troy (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35.04/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.59/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.29/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.43/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $39.75/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.77/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.38/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.65/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.95/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Troy grew 18.1% from $35.04/hr (2019) to $41.38/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.95/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 Troy 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 Troy
Occupational therapists in Troy who choose part-time work at 24 hours a week may see their annual earnings significantly lower than their full-time counterparts, who generally work 40 hours per week. For an occupational therapist working three days a week, the annual take-home pay will depend on their hourly rate, which can be impacted by the type of facility they work for. In the per-diem sphere, occupational therapists commonly bill between $50 and $75 per hour, while certified hand therapists can command even higher rates of $80 to $110 per hour in cash-pay settings. Additionally, travel OT contracts can yield between $1,800 and $2,800 per week. When negotiating, practitioners should consider the benefits package offered by employers, such as health insurance, against the higher hourly pay that may come without benefits, weighing the trade-offs carefully. The competitive hourly landscape across skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and outpatient clinics in Troy highlights the importance of strategic positioning in salary discussions.
More salary data for Troy, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Troy in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Troy?
Are occupational therapists in Troy paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Troy?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Troy?
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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 Troy. 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 Troy 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