Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Fernley, NV: $45.17 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Fernley, NV runs $45.17 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $93,949 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Fernley's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.3, 2% below national), each hour of work buys what $45.95 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $56,374 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fernley, Nevada, occupational therapists can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $45.17, which is notably lower than the national median of $49.71 per hour. This hourly rate opens up various opportunities for part-time and per-diem positions, especially in settings such as hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient clinics. For those working part-time (three days a week), the pay translates to around $1,440 weekly, making it a feasible option for therapists seeking flexibility. Entry-level practitioners typically earn around $35.15 per hour, while more experienced professionals can reach up to $57.11 per hour in this competitive market. It's essential to recognize that these hourly rates are estimated based on the annual salary projections derived from 2025 BLS data, illustrating the economic landscape for occupational therapists in the area.
About the Fernley Market
Salary estimated from Nevada average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35.15 | $281.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.55 | $308.44 |
| Median (P50) | $45.17 | $361.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51.90 | $415.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57.11 | $456.84 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fernley
Based on $45.17/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $45.17/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fernley, NV can expect to earn approximately $93,956 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $54,205. With a cost-of-living index of 98.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Fernley.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fernley
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,806.85 | $7,830 | $93,956 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,084.11 | $4,698 | $56,374 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $722.74 | $3,132 | $37,582 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Fernley) | $45.17 |
| 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 Fernley, NV earn a median of $93,949 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.14% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 7.60% below the Nevada state average of $101,677.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $45.17/hr = $56,374/year (purchasing power: $57,349).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $93,956/year (purchasing power: $95,581).
CoL index: 98.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$37.11/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$43.83/hr
2026 Current Est.
$45.17/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Fernley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37.11/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $37.69/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.38/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $40.71/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $42.10/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $47.18/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $43.83/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45.17/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46.55/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Fernley grew 18.1% from $37.11/hr (2019) to $43.83/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $46.55/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 Fernley 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 Fernley
Focusing on the earnings dynamics, a part-time occupational therapist working 24 hours a week in Fernley could take home approximately $66,825 annually, significantly less than the full-time revenue potential. For per diem occupational therapists, pay rates can vary widely, with many billing between $50 and $75 per hour, and specialty therapists, such as those with CHT certification, earning between $80 and $110 per hour in cash-pay scenarios. Contract engagements may yield higher compensation, with travel OT roles offering weekly pay ranging from $1,800 to $2,800. It’s important for occupational therapists in the area to consider the type of employer when evaluating hourly pay—skilled nursing facilities may provide different rates compared to school districts or outpatient clinics. Benefits like health insurance may incentivize some to take lower hourly rates; therefore, negotiating for higher pay in exchange for fewer benefits becomes a consideration. Engaging with local agencies and networking within the community can provide insight and leverage in securing optimal pay rates for the diverse opportunities available in Fernley.
More salary data for Fernley, NV:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Fernley in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Fernley?
Are occupational therapists in Fernley paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Fernley?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Fernley?
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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 Fernley. 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 Fernley 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