Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Bedford, NH: $50.24 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Bedford, NH runs $50.24 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $104,496 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Bedford's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.3, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $46.82 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $62,702 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, occupational therapist hourly pay in Bedford, NH, is projected to reach a median of $50.24, slightly above the national median of $49.71. This competitive rate reflects the complexities of working in various settings, including hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient clinics, where part-time and per-diem opportunities are abundant. Therapists working three days a week typically earn over $36.19 per hour at entry-level rates, while more experienced practitioners can command up to $63.56 per hour. This wide range allows for flexibility, enabling professionals to tailor their schedules around personal commitments or pursue lucrative per-diem positions which can often provide an attractive alternative in managing work-life balance.
About the Bedford Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36.19 | $289.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44.05 | $352.38 |
| Median (P50) | $50.24 | $401.93 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57.75 | $462.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63.56 | $508.46 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bedford
Based on $50.24/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $50.24/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bedford, NH can expect to earn approximately $104,503 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $60,290. With a cost-of-living index of 107.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bedford.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bedford
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,009.67 | $8,709 | $104,503 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,205.80 | $5,225 | $62,702 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $803.87 | $3,483 | $41,801 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Bedford) | $50.24 |
| 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 Bedford, NH earn a median of $104,496 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.06% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 5.80% below the New Hampshire state average of $110,930.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $50.24/hr = $62,702/year (purchasing power: $58,436).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $104,503/year (purchasing power: $97,393).
CoL index: 107.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$41.28/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$48.75/hr
2026 Current Est.
$50.24/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Bedford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41.28/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $41.92/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $41.58/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $45.28/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $46.83/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $44.70/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $48.75/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50.24/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51.78/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Bedford grew 18.1% from $41.28/hr (2019) to $48.75/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $51.78/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 Bedford 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 Bedford
Part-time occupational therapists in Bedford, working 24 hours a week, can expect to bring home around $62,506 annually, which shows a substantial difference when compared to full-time colleagues. Per-diem and locum tenens occupational therapists often encounter rates between $50 and $75 per hour, with specialty credentialed therapists, such as those with a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) designation, often earning upwards of $80 to $110 per hour in certain private practice environments. Employment settings also influence pay; for instance, occupational therapists employed in skilled nursing facilities may have a more stable income base compared to those contracting with school districts or engaging in home health visits. Therapists often face trade-offs between higher hourly rates and the health benefits provided by full-time positions, making negotiation skills vital in this field. Understanding local market trends and emphasizing specialty credentials can give prospective therapists an edge in securing desirable hourly positions in Bedford.
More salary data for Bedford, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Bedford in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Bedford?
Are occupational therapists in Bedford paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Bedford?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Bedford?
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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 Bedford. 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 Bedford 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