Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Cornelius, NC: $42.25 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Cornelius, NC runs $42.25 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $87,889 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Cornelius's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $45.14 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,734 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Cornelius, North Carolina, offers an occupational therapist hourly pay of $42.25, which is notably lower than the national median of $49.71. This difference may reflect the regional cost of living, pegged at 93.6 compared to the national average. For part-time occupational therapists working three days a week (approximately 24 hours), this hourly rate translates into a respectable income within typical settings such as rehabilitation hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, or school therapy rooms, allowing practitioners to earn a reliable wage while enjoying a flexible schedule. Entry-level professionals can expect to start at around $32.78 per hour, with potential higher earnings reaching $52.32 for top earners in the field. Notably, these hourly rates are estimated based on annual salary figures and may vary depending on the site of practice within Cornelius.
About the Cornelius Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32.78 | $262.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.32 | $290.55 |
| Median (P50) | $42.25 | $338.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.61 | $380.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.32 | $418.59 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cornelius
Based on $42.25/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.25/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cornelius, NC can expect to earn approximately $87,890 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,706. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Cornelius.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cornelius
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,690.18 | $7,324 | $87,890 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,014.11 | $4,394 | $52,734 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $676.07 | $2,930 | $35,156 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Cornelius) | $42.25 |
| 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 Cornelius, NC earn a median of $87,889 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.00% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 1.30% below the North Carolina state average of $89,046.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.25/hr = $52,734/year (purchasing power: $56,339).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $87,890/year (purchasing power: $93,899).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$34.71/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.00/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.25/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Cornelius (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.71/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.26/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.97/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.08/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $39.38/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.85/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.00/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.25/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.55/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Cornelius grew 18.1% from $34.71/hr (2019) to $41.00/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.55/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 Cornelius 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 Cornelius
In terms of earning potential, part-time occupational therapists in Cornelius who work three days a week would land around $52,800 annually, compared to a full-time therapist's salary of approximately $88,889. The per diem occupational therapist pay in Cornelius presents further potential, with rates that can range from $50 to $75 per hour, making this a viable option for those looking for flexibility. Positions with specialized credentials, such as Certified Hand Therapists (CHT), can command even higher rates, often exceeding $80 per hour in cash-pay practices. Across different employer types—from skilled nursing facilities to outpatient clinics—hourly rates can fluctuate significantly. Occupational therapists may find the need to balance hourly pay against benefits packages, opting for lower hourly wages in full-time roles that provide health insurance. Those negotiating their pay should be prepared to focus on their specialties and certifications to enhance their bargaining power in the marketplace.
More salary data for Cornelius, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Cornelius in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Cornelius?
Are occupational therapists in Cornelius paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Cornelius?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Cornelius?
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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 Cornelius. 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 Cornelius 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