Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Missoula, MT: $43.25 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Missoula, MT runs $43.25 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $89,971 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Missoula's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.4, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $44.85 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $53,981 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Occupational therapists in Missoula, Montana, earn a median hourly pay of $43.25, which is notably lower than the national median of $49.71. This disparity impacts part-time opportunities and per-diem roles in various settings, including hospital rehab units, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient therapy clinics. For therapists working three days a week, the financial implications can be significant, as they typically operate on varying hourly rates that range from $37.78 for entry-level positions up to $51.00 for experienced practitioners. Such rates reflect the broader trend in occupational therapy, where precise payment can fluctuate based on experience and specific job environments. The official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data further highlights this range, providing therapists in Missoula with clear insights into their earning potential within their profession.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.78 | $302.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.28 | $306.21 |
| Median (P50) | $43.25 | $346.03 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.41 | $403.25 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.00 | $408.04 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Missoula
Based on $43.25/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $43.25/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Missoula, MT can expect to earn approximately $89,969 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $51,905. With a cost-of-living index of 96.44 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Missoula.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Missoula
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,730.17 | $7,497 | $89,969 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,038.10 | $4,498 | $53,981 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $692.07 | $2,999 | $35,988 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Missoula) | $43.25 |
| 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 Missoula, MT earn a median of $89,971 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.99% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 9.50% below the Montana state average of $99,416.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $43.25/hr = $53,981/year (purchasing power: $55,971).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $89,969/year (purchasing power: $93,285).
CoL index: 96.445 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$36.38/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.97/hr
2026 Current Est.
$43.25/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Missoula (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36.38/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $37.29/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.26/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.76/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $39.64/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.37/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.97/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43.25/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.58/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Missoula grew 15.4% from $36.38/hr (2019) to $41.97/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.58/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 Missoula 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 Missoula
Considering a part-time schedule, a 24-hour work week would yield different annual earnings compared to full-time positions. While a full-time occupational therapist can anticipate their finances with more certainty, those working just three days may take home significantly less, impacting their overall income stability. The per diem occupational therapist pay in Missoula can vary greatly, with standard rates typically between $50 and $75 per hour. CHT-credentialed hand therapists may achieve even higher earnings, with rates reaching $80 to $110 per hour in cash-pay practices. When examining different employer sectors in Missoula, compensation can widely differ; skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and school districts all present unique compensation structures. Some therapists may opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance. Practical tips for negotiation include clearly articulating one's value based on specialization and leveraging local salary data to enhance compensation discussions, particularly in an evolving landscape as the move toward entry-level OTD becomes more prevalent.
More salary data for Missoula, MT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Missoula in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Missoula?
Are occupational therapists in Missoula paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Missoula?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Missoula?
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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 Missoula. 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, 7-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