Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Gastonia, NC: $47.74 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Gastonia, NC runs $47.74 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $99,299 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Gastonia's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $51.00 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $59,576 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, occupational therapists in Gastonia, North Carolina, can expect a median hourly pay of $47.74, which is slightly below the national median of $49.71. This rate provides a meaningful income for both part-time professionals and those working per-diem. A therapist working three days a week could focus on settings such as hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, or outpatient clinics to maximize their earning potential, where entry-level positions begin at approximately $34.51 per hour, and experienced therapists might earn up to $61.91 per hour. These estimates are derived from annual salary projections and reflect the specific economic conditions in Gastonia and its cost of living index of 93.6, which is below the national average.
About the Gastonia 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) | $34.51 | $276.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.25 | $313.96 |
| Median (P50) | $47.74 | $381.90 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55.30 | $442.42 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61.91 | $495.27 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Gastonia
Based on $47.74/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.74/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Gastonia, NC can expect to earn approximately $99,294 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $57,285. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Gastonia.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Gastonia
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,909.50 | $8,274 | $99,294 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,145.70 | $4,965 | $59,576 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $763.80 | $3,310 | $39,718 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Gastonia) | $47.74 |
| 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 Gastonia, NC earn a median of $99,299 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.97% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 11.50% above the North Carolina state average of $89,058.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.74/hr = $59,576/year (purchasing power: $63,650).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $99,294/year (purchasing power: $106,083).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$39.22/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.32/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.74/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Gastonia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.22/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $39.83/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $39.51/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $43.02/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.49/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.11/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.32/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.74/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.20/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Gastonia grew 18.1% from $39.22/hr (2019) to $46.32/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.20/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 Gastonia 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 Gastonia
Turning to the remuneration landscape for occupational therapists in Gastonia, a professional working part-time (24 hours per week) may realize a significantly different financial picture compared to full-time counterparts. Earning potential as a per diem occupational therapist can be quite lucrative, with many billing between $50 and $75 per hour. For those with specialized hand therapy credentials (CHT), rates can soar to $80-$110 per hour in cash-pay environments. In different employment settings such as mental health facilities or school districts, the hourly pay can vary widely due to budget constraints and demand. Therapists often face a trade-off when negotiating positions: those accepting lower rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance may have a more stable lifestyle, while others may opt for higher hourly wages without benefits. When negotiating, focus on local demand and your specialized skills to ensure you're capturing the most competitive rate possible in the thriving field of occupational therapy within Gastonia, NC.
More salary data for Gastonia, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Gastonia in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Gastonia?
Are occupational therapists in Gastonia paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Gastonia?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Gastonia?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in North Carolina
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 Gastonia. 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 Gastonia 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