Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Winston-Salem, NC: $44.38 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Winston-Salem, NC runs $44.38 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $92,305 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Winston-Salem's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $47.41 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $55,383 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapist hourly pay in Winston-Salem, NC, stands at a median of $44.38, which is notably below the national hourly median of $49.71. For part-time therapists working three days a week, this translates to more manageable earning scenarios but may result in a significantly different lifestyle than full-time positions. Typical settings for OTs in Winston-Salem include hospital rehab units, skilled nursing facilities, and schools, where workers can expect hourly rates ranging from $29.08 for entry-level positions to $60.15 for those at the top of their game. This framework affects not only salary expectations but also job availability, particularly for per-diem therapists who often work on more flexible terms, making this rate compelling for those seeking work-life balance in occupational therapy.
About the Winston-Salem 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) | $29.08 | $232.67 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.43 | $275.46 |
| Median (P50) | $44.38 | $355.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52.42 | $419.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60.15 | $481.17 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Winston-Salem
Based on $44.38/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $44.38/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Winston-Salem, NC can expect to earn approximately $92,305 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $53,253. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Winston-Salem.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Winston-Salem
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,775.11 | $7,692 | $92,305 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,065.06 | $4,615 | $55,383 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $710.04 | $3,077 | $36,922 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Winston-Salem) | $44.38 |
| 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 Winston-Salem, NC earn a median of $92,305 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.73% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 3.60% above the North Carolina state average of $89,097.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $44.38/hr = $55,383/year (purchasing power: $59,170).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $92,305/year (purchasing power: $98,617).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$36.46/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$43.06/hr
2026 Current Est.
$44.38/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Winston-Salem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36.46/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $37.03/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.73/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $39.99/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $41.36/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.91/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $43.06/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44.38/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45.74/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Winston-Salem grew 18.1% from $36.46/hr (2019) to $43.06/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $45.74/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 Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem
For part-time occupational therapists in Winston-Salem, the financial reality of working 24 hours a week can yield an annual take-home significantly lower than full-time counterparts. While full-time positions offer benefits that can enhance overall compensation, part-time OTs may find their earnings considerably reduced, making them weigh the benefits against the hourly rate. Per diem opportunities can be quite lucrative, with rates ranging from $50 to $75 per hour for general OTs, while certified hand therapists (CHTs), who are sought after for their specialized skills, command exceptionally higher rates, often reaching between $80 and $110 per hour in cash-pay settings. Variables such as employer type also greatly affect wages in Winston-Salem; for instance, skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and hospitals present different pay scales and working conditions. Negotiating hourly compensation can hinge on whether professionals choose to prioritize benefits or higher pay, a decision that requires careful evaluation of individual circumstances within the evolving landscape of occupational therapy in 2026.
More salary data for Winston-Salem, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Winston-Salem in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Winston-Salem?
Are occupational therapists in Winston-Salem paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Winston-Salem?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Winston-Salem?
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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 Winston-Salem. 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 Winston-Salem 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