Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Clinton, MS: $39.17 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Clinton, MS runs $39.17 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $81,475 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Clinton's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $45.71 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,888 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapist hourly pay in Clinton, MS, reaches a median of $39.17, a figure that falls significantly below the national hourly median of $49.71. This wage reflects the typical financial landscape for professionals in rehabilitation settings, including those working in hospital rehab units and skilled nursing facilities, as well as therapists involved in school therapy, home health visits, and outpatient hand therapy clinics. For part-time occupational therapists, who may work three days a week, this hourly rate translates to meaningful earnings, while per-diem workers can also find good opportunities contingent on their flexibility and experience. With a range extending from $30.13 for entry-level positions to $47.80 for top earners, occupational therapists in Clinton can enter the field with a competitive base but must navigate the pay differences as they advance.
About the Clinton Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30.13 | $241.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.19 | $265.48 |
| Median (P50) | $39.17 | $313.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43.94 | $351.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.80 | $382.39 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Clinton
Based on $39.17/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.17/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Clinton, MS can expect to earn approximately $81,480 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,008. With a cost-of-living index of 85.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Clinton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Clinton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,566.92 | $6,790 | $81,480 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $940.15 | $4,074 | $48,888 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $626.77 | $2,716 | $32,592 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Clinton) | $39.17 |
| 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 Clinton, MS earn a median of $81,475 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.20% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 8.10% below the Mississippi state average of $88,656.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.17/hr = $48,888/year (purchasing power: $57,046).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $81,480/year (purchasing power: $95,076).
CoL index: 85.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$32.18/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.01/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.17/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Clinton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.18/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.69/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.42/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.30/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.51/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.34/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.01/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.17/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.37/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Clinton grew 18.1% from $32.18/hr (2019) to $38.01/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.37/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 Clinton 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 Clinton
Evaluating earnings reveals intriguing insights about occupational therapy careers in Clinton. A part-time occupational therapist working approximately 24 hours a week might take home considerably less than their full-time counterparts, highlighting the disparities inherent to part-time roles. Per diem occupational therapist pay in Clinton is notable, as these professionals can bill rates ranging from $50-$75 per hour, with certified hand therapists, holding the CHT credential, able to command even higher rates—between $80-$110 per hour in cash-pay environments. Various employer types also influence pay rates; occupational therapists working in skilled nursing facilities, outpatient hand therapy clinics, or early intervention programs might face different compensation structures. Some practitioners may also choose positions with lower hourly pay because they offer health benefits, making employment choices a balancing act. Negotiating pay can also be strategic, especially in a city like Clinton, where understanding local market rates and emphasizing specialized skills can lead to more favorable compensation.
More salary data for Clinton, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Clinton in 2026?
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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 Clinton. 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 Clinton 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