Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Bozeman, MT: $47.02 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Bozeman, MT runs $47.02 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $97,783 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Bozeman's regional price level (BEA RPP 102.5, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $45.86 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $58,676 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Bozeman, Montana, the occupational therapist hourly pay is projected to be $47.02 for 2026, which is slightly lower than the national median of $49.71. This hourly rate provides insight for part-time and per-diem occupational therapists, typically working in varied settings such as hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, school therapy rooms, and home health visits. For example, a part-time occupational therapist working three days a week could realistically expect a steady income while enjoying a better work-life balance. The hourly pay spectrum for this profession ranges from approximately $38.75 for entry-level positions to $58.69 for top earners, offering a clear pathway for growth based on skills and experience—data sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.75 | $310.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.67 | $341.33 |
| Median (P50) | $47.02 | $376.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.60 | $404.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $58.69 | $469.54 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bozeman
Based on $47.02/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.02/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bozeman, MT can expect to earn approximately $97,793 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $56,419. With a cost-of-living index of 102.51 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bozeman.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bozeman
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,880.64 | $8,149 | $97,793 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,128.38 | $4,890 | $58,676 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $752.26 | $3,260 | $39,117 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Bozeman) | $47.02 |
| 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 Bozeman, MT earn a median of $97,783 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.43% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 1.70% below the Montana state average of $99,474.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.02/hr = $58,676/year (purchasing power: $57,239).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $97,793/year (purchasing power: $95,399).
CoL index: 102.51 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$38.63/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$45.62/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.02/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Bozeman (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38.63/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $39.23/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.91/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $42.37/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $43.82/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $44.68/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $45.62/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.02/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48.45/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Bozeman grew 18.1% from $38.63/hr (2019) to $45.62/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $48.45/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 Bozeman 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 Bozeman
When examining the part-time earnings potential for OTs in Bozeman, those working a standard 24-hour week would bring home an annual income significantly lower than full-time counterparts, but it can still offer substantial compensation for flexible schedules. For per-diem occupational therapist pay in Bozeman, professionals often see rates between $50 and $75 per hour, with specialty hand therapists commanding even more—approximately $80 to $110 hourly in cash-pay settings. Various employment avenues are available in Bozeman, from skilled nursing facilities to early intervention programs, each impacting hourly rates differently. Occupational therapists weighing the decision between lower hourly rates with full-time benefits versus higher pay without benefits must consider their personal circumstances and preferences. Negotiation strategies become crucial, particularly when considering relevant factors such as the cost of living index of 102.51 in Bozeman, allowing for discussions around compensation that align with both the market and individual needs.
More salary data for Bozeman, MT:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Bozeman. 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, 2-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