Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Kernersville, NC: $42.43 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Kernersville, NC runs $42.43 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $88,248 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Kernersville's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $45.33 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,952 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the **occupational therapist hourly pay in Kernersville, NC** is projected to be $42.43, which is notably lower than the national median of $49.71 per hour. This hourly rate offers substantial earning potential for both part-time and per-diem occupational therapists. For those working three days a week, their income can accumulate significantly, particularly when they are engaged in diverse settings such as hospital rehab units, skilled nursing facilities, schools, or home health visits. The range for hourly pay spans from $31.17 at the entry-level (P10) to $54.37 for the top earners (P90) in Kernersville, reflecting various expertise and years of experience. These hourly figures are derived from projected annual salaries, providing a snapshot of the financial landscape for OTs in the region.
About the Kernersville 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) | $31.17 | $249.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.04 | $280.32 |
| Median (P50) | $42.43 | $339.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.93 | $391.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54.37 | $435.00 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kernersville
Based on $42.43/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.43/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kernersville, NC can expect to earn approximately $88,254 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,916. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Kernersville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kernersville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,697.19 | $7,354 | $88,254 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,018.32 | $4,413 | $52,952 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $678.88 | $2,942 | $35,302 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Kernersville) | $42.43 |
| 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 Kernersville, NC earn a median of $88,248 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.65% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 0.90% below the North Carolina state average of $89,050.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.43/hr = $52,952/year (purchasing power: $56,573).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $88,254/year (purchasing power: $94,288).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$34.86/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.17/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.43/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Kernersville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.86/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.40/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.11/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.24/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $39.55/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.02/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.17/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.43/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.73/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Kernersville grew 18.1% from $34.86/hr (2019) to $41.17/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.73/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 Kernersville 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 Kernersville
Part-time occupational therapists in Kernersville, working a typical three-day week, can expect to take home approximately $52,860 annually based on their hourly rate, a figure that contrasts greatly with the full-time earnings equivalent of $88,248. Considering the reality of per diem arrangements, many occupational therapists are able to bill between $50 and $75 per hour, making this an appealing option for those desiring flexibility. Specialized hand therapists with the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential can command even higher rates, often billing $80-$110 per hour in cash-pay practices. The variability in rates is influenced by the type of employer, with different settings such as skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and home health agencies offering distinct compensation structures. Some therapists may opt for lower hourly wages that come with benefits such as health insurance, while others pursue higher pay with fewer benefits. For negotiators in this field, understanding the market rates in Kernersville and presenting a strong case based on experience can lead to better hourly agreements, especially for those considering per diem occupational therapist pay in Kernersville.
More salary data for Kernersville, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Kernersville in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Kernersville?
Are occupational therapists in Kernersville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Kernersville?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Kernersville?
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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 Kernersville. 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 Kernersville 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