Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Reno, NV: $54.05 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Reno, NV runs $54.05 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $112,428 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Reno's regional price level (BEA RPP 101.0, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $53.51 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $67,461 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Reno, Nevada, the projected occupational therapist hourly pay for 2026 is $54.05, significantly higher than the national median hourly rate of $49.71. This competitive pay level makes occupational therapy an attractive option for those considering part-time positions or per-diem opportunities within local healthcare settings. For instance, an occupational therapist working three days a week can expect to earn a reliable income while enjoying the flexibility that comes with reduced hours. With an entry-level hourly rate starting at $43.63 and top earners reaching up to $62.06, professionals in this field can find ample opportunities to advance their careers within hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, schools, and private practices dedicated to therapy. These figures are based on the BLS 2025 OEWS data, projected to 2026, which reflects the growing demand for occupational therapy services in diverse environments.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43.63 | $349.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.16 | $409.27 |
| Median (P50) | $54.05 | $432.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59.34 | $474.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62.06 | $496.50 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Reno
Based on $54.05/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $54.05/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Reno, NV can expect to earn approximately $112,434 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $64,866. With a cost-of-living index of 101.01 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Reno.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Reno
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,162.20 | $9,370 | $112,434 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,297.32 | $5,622 | $67,461 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $864.88 | $3,748 | $44,974 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Reno) | $54.05 |
| 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 Reno, NV earn a median of $112,428 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.73% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 10.60% above the Nevada state average of $101,653.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $54.05/hr = $67,461/year (purchasing power: $66,783).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $112,434/year (purchasing power: $111,306).
CoL index: 101.014 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$45.77/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$52.45/hr
2026 Current Est.
$54.05/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+21.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Reno (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45.77/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $47.75/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.98/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $50.04/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $50.41/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $51.03/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $52.45/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54.05/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55.71/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Reno grew 14.6% from $45.77/hr (2019) to $52.45/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $55.71/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 Reno 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 Reno
Occupational therapists in Reno also have diverse earning potentials when it comes to part-time and contract work. For a typical three-day workweek of 24 hours, a part-time occupational therapist can expect to bring home around $57,569 annually. Meanwhile, per diem occupational therapist pay in Reno can vary, with many professionals billing anywhere from $50 to $75 per hour. Specialized therapists, such as CHT-credentialed hand therapists, can command even higher rates, typically between $80 and $110 per hour in cash-pay practices, while travel contracts range from $1,800 to $2,800 per week. The type of employer significantly influences salaries—occupational therapists may earn more in outpatient hand therapy clinics compared to skilled nursing facilities, but the latter often provide benefits like health insurance, prompting some to accept lower hourly rates for job security. For those negotiating terms, emphasizing experience and specialty certifications can help secure better pay, making it advisable to stay informed about market trends and average rates in Reno.
More salary data for Reno, NV:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Reno in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Reno?
Are occupational therapists in Reno paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Reno?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Reno?
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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 Reno. 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