Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Grand Forks, ND: $40.05 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Grand Forks, ND runs $40.05 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $83,303 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Grand Forks's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.7, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $46.21 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,981 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Occupational therapists in Grand Forks, North Dakota, earn a median hourly rate of $40.05, which is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $49.71. This difference in pay can significantly affect part-time or per diem workers in various settings, such as hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, and school therapy rooms. For those working three days a week, such as a typical 24-hour part-time schedule, this hourly pay translates to a stable income while allowing for personal flexibility. The hourly wage range in Grand Forks spans from $33.01 at the 10th percentile to $54.03 at the 90th percentile, reflecting various factors such as experience, specialization, and the type of facility where therapists are employed. This official BLS data is vital for understanding earning potential in the field.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33.01 | $264.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.45 | $307.61 |
| Median (P50) | $40.05 | $320.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.44 | $395.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54.03 | $432.27 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Grand Forks
Based on $40.05/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.05/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Grand Forks, ND can expect to earn approximately $83,302 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,059. With a cost-of-living index of 86.66 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Grand Forks.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Grand Forks
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,601.96 | $6,942 | $83,302 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $961.18 | $4,165 | $49,981 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $640.79 | $2,777 | $33,321 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Grand Forks) | $40.05 |
| 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 Grand Forks, ND earn a median of $83,303 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.44% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 12.40% below the North Dakota state average of $95,095.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.05/hr = $49,981/year (purchasing power: $57,673).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $83,302/year (purchasing power: $96,122).
CoL index: 86.663 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$32.90/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.86/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.05/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Grand Forks (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.90/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.42/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.28/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.05/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.63/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.46/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.86/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.05/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.27/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Grand Forks grew 18.1% from $32.90/hr (2019) to $38.86/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.27/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 Grand Forks 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 Grand Forks
Considering the opportunities for part-time occupational therapists in Grand Forks gives further insights into income dynamics. A therapist working 24 hours a week could expect an annual income significantly lower than that of a full-time practitioner, potentially leading to financial challenges unless supplemented by additional contracts or per diem work. For per diem occupational therapists, pay rates can range from $50 to $75 per hour, with specialized hand therapists who hold the CHT credential earning upwards of $80-$110 per hour in cash-pay practices. Additionally, hourly rates differ significantly among employer types; those working in skilled nursing facilities, for example, may earn less than their counterparts in outpatient clinics or mental health facilities, affecting job satisfaction and overall compensation packages. Some therapists may opt for lower hourly wages to secure robust health benefits, creating a trade-off between immediate hourly pay and long-term health security. For prospective employees, understanding local market trends and negotiating effectively based on these insights can significantly influence their career satisfaction and financial stability in Grand Forks, ND.
More salary data for Grand Forks, ND:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Grand Forks in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Grand Forks?
Are occupational therapists in Grand Forks paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Grand Forks?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Grand Forks?
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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 Grand Forks. 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, 5-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