Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Columbus, MS: $40.06 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Columbus, MS runs $40.06 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $83,327 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Columbus's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $46.74 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,994 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The projected occupational therapist hourly pay in Columbus, Mississippi, stands at $40.06, notably lower than the national median of $49.71. This rate presents a practical framework for both part-time and per-diem occupational therapists, particularly in settings like hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, and school therapy rooms. For those working three days a week, or in temporary roles, the hourly compensation can significantly dictate their overall financial health. With an hourly range spanning from $28.93 for entry-level positions to $48.07 for top earners, aspiring occupational therapists can gauge their potential earnings as they build their careers in this vital healthcare sector. The figures provided stem from estimated annual salaries, shedding light on how important it is to understand the hourly implications of these positions.
About the Columbus 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) | $28.93 | $231.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.04 | $280.32 |
| Median (P50) | $40.06 | $320.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.55 | $356.42 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.07 | $384.54 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Columbus
Based on $40.06/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.06/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Columbus, MS can expect to earn approximately $83,324 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,071. With a cost-of-living index of 85.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Columbus.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Columbus
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,602.38 | $6,944 | $83,324 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $961.43 | $4,166 | $49,994 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $640.95 | $2,777 | $33,329 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Columbus) | $40.06 |
| 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 Columbus, MS earn a median of $83,327 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.41% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 6.00% below the Mississippi state average of $88,646.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.06/hr = $49,994/year (purchasing power: $58,336).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $83,324/year (purchasing power: $97,227).
CoL index: 85.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$32.91/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.87/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.06/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Columbus (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.91/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.43/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.15/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.10/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.34/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.09/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.87/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.06/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.29/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Columbus grew 18.1% from $32.91/hr (2019) to $38.87/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.29/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 Columbus 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 Columbus
Evaluating the earning potential for part-time occupational therapists in Columbus reveals an annual income that can be substantially different compared to full-time work. An OT working three days weekly, approximately 24 hours, can expect to take home around $49,972 annually, which offers flexibility but comes at the cost of benefits that full-time workers typically enjoy. In contrast, per diem occupational therapists often command much higher rates, billing anywhere from $50 to $75 per hour, with cash-pay hand therapists achieving up to $110 for their specialized services. The variety of workplace settings, from skilled nursing facilities to outpatient therapy clinics, yields different pay scales, which signifies that the highest-paying jobs may not always include benefits. Occupational therapists pondering their hourly rate versus benefits must weigh their personal priorities carefully, while local contract negotiations can sometimes offer better flexibility in rates compared to permanent positions.
More salary data for Columbus, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Columbus in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Columbus?
Are occupational therapists in Columbus paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Columbus?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Columbus?
Related Pages
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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 Columbus. 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 Columbus 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