Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Fayetteville, NC: $40.26 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Fayetteville, NC runs $40.26 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $83,726 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Fayetteville's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.0, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $43.77 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,239 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Fayetteville, North Carolina, an occupational therapist’s hourly pay is projected to be $40.26 in 2026, which falls significantly below the national median of $49.71. This rate implies that part-time workers, say those committing to work three days a week, could earn around $31,000 annually, while per-diem occupational therapists would typically demand higher hourly rates when working in various environments such as hospital rehab units, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient clinics. Entry-level positions in Fayetteville start at approximately $28.14 per hour, while experienced therapists can earn up to $55.51 per hour, showcasing a significant pay progression as one gains experience in this essential field.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $28.14 | $225.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.68 | $261.44 |
| Median (P50) | $40.26 | $322.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.44 | $395.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55.51 | $444.06 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fayetteville
Based on $40.26/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.26/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fayetteville, NC can expect to earn approximately $83,731 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,306. With a cost-of-living index of 91.98 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Fayetteville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fayetteville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,610.21 | $6,978 | $83,731 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $966.13 | $4,187 | $50,239 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $644.08 | $2,791 | $33,492 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Fayetteville) | $40.26 |
| 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 Fayetteville, NC earn a median of $83,726 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.03% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 6.00% below the North Carolina state average of $89,070.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.26/hr = $50,239/year (purchasing power: $54,620).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $83,731/year (purchasing power: $91,034).
CoL index: 91.978 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$38.24/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.06/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.26/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+8.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Fayetteville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38.24/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $39.61/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.02/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $39.13/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $41.48/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $45.08/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.06/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.26/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.49/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Fayetteville grew 2.1% from $38.24/hr (2019) to $39.06/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.49/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 Fayetteville 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 Fayetteville
Working part-time, an occupational therapist pulling in $40.26/hour would see a different financial picture compared to full-time staff. Even with a part-time schedule totaling 24 hours weekly, the annual earnings would be just shy of $31,000, offering flexibility but lower overall compensation. In contrast, per diem occupational therapists often bill between $50-$75 per hour, while certified hand therapists (CHTs) can command $80-$110 in cash-pay practices. Travel contracts may yield even higher earnings of $1,800 to $2,800 weekly. It's essential for therapists in Fayetteville to understand these variations; hourly rates differ by employer type, such as outpatient therapy clinics versus early intervention programs. Some therapists might choose positions with lower hourly pay that include health insurance and benefits rather than higher rates without these perks. When negotiating, it’s advisable to consider both financial and personal health goals to ensure a sustainable career in this field.
More salary data for Fayetteville, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Fayetteville in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Fayetteville?
Are occupational therapists in Fayetteville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Fayetteville?
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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 Fayetteville. 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