Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Thomasville, NC: $42.01 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Thomasville, NC runs $42.01 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $87,377 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Thomasville's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $44.88 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,425 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Thomasville, the projected occupational therapist hourly pay stands at $42.01, significantly lower than the national hourly median of $49.71. This discrepancy highlights the local market dynamics for OTs, particularly those considering part-time or per-diem roles. For therapists working three days a week, this hourly rate allows for flexible scheduling in various settings such as hospital rehab units, school therapy rooms, and home health visits. Entry-level occupational therapists can expect to earn around $30.11 per hour, while highly experienced professionals in the field can command up to $55.51 per hour. Understanding this range is crucial for both current practitioners and those planning their career path in the field, as it reflects potential earnings based solely on hourly work rather than annual salary perspectives.
About the Thomasville 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) | $30.11 | $240.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.19 | $273.48 |
| Median (P50) | $42.01 | $336.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.08 | $376.62 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55.51 | $444.06 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Thomasville
Based on $42.01/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.01/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Thomasville, NC can expect to earn approximately $87,375 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,409. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Thomasville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Thomasville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,680.29 | $7,281 | $87,375 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,008.17 | $4,369 | $52,425 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $672.12 | $2,913 | $34,950 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Thomasville) | $42.01 |
| 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 Thomasville, NC earn a median of $87,377 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.50% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 1.90% below the North Carolina state average of $89,070.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.01/hr = $52,425/year (purchasing power: $56,010).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $87,375/year (purchasing power: $93,349).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$34.51/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.76/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.01/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Thomasville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.51/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.05/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.76/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.86/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $39.15/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.62/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.76/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.01/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.29/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Thomasville grew 18.1% from $34.51/hr (2019) to $40.76/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.29/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 Thomasville 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 Thomasville
Part-time occupational therapists in Thomasville earning $42.01 per hour over a 24-hour workweek could take home approximately $52,000 annually, which is a substantial figure compared to full-time colleagues. Per diem occupational therapist pay in Thomasville often ranges from $50 to $75 per hour, while specialty roles in hand therapy may yield $80 to $110 per hour. Travel therapy contracts can significantly enhance earnings, with possibilities of $1,800 to $2,800 per week depending on demand. Notably, hourly compensation varies by employer type; roles in skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and home health agencies may offer different rates and benefits. Some occupational therapists may opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for valuable health and employment benefits, a decision that often comes down to personal circumstances. For those actively seeking positions, negotiating pay based on specific skills and experience, particularly in specialized areas, can be a strategic advantage.
More salary data for Thomasville, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Thomasville in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Thomasville?
Are occupational therapists in Thomasville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Thomasville?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Thomasville?
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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 Thomasville. 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 Thomasville 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