Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Akron, OH: $48.82 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Akron, OH runs $48.82 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $101,535 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Akron's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $52.29 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,927 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
For occupational therapists in Akron, Ohio, the projected hourly pay stands at $48.82, which is slightly below the national median hourly rate of $49.71. This figure is significant for those pursuing part-time opportunities, such as three-day workweeks in settings like hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient clinics. As entry-level positions offer hourly rates starting around $31.44 and experienced practitioners can earn up to $60.51, per-diem options can also be attractive. Per diem occupational therapist pay in Akron varies widely, providing flexibility for those seeking to balance work with other commitments while capitalizing on the competitive hourly rates available across various healthcare environments.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31.44 | $251.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.17 | $329.38 |
| Median (P50) | $48.82 | $390.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55.41 | $443.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60.51 | $484.05 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Akron
Based on $48.82/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.82/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Akron, OH can expect to earn approximately $101,545 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,583. With a cost-of-living index of 93.37 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Akron.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Akron
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,952.78 | $8,462 | $101,545 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,171.67 | $5,077 | $60,927 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $781.11 | $3,385 | $40,618 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Akron) | $48.82 |
| 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 Akron, OH earn a median of $101,535 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.80% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 0.20% above the Ohio state average of $101,332.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.82/hr = $60,927/year (purchasing power: $65,253).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $101,545/year (purchasing power: $108,755).
CoL index: 93.37 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$41.57/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.37/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.82/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+21.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Akron (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41.57/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.38/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.16/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $46.09/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $47.06/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $47.81/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.37/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.82/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.31/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Akron grew 14.0% from $41.57/hr (2019) to $47.37/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.31/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 Akron 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 Akron
When considering part-time work, an occupational therapist who opts for a schedule of three days per week (24 hours) could expect to earn approximately $59,000 annually, which still allows for greater flexibility compared to full-time positions. Meanwhile, per-diem and agency therapists typically charge between $50 and $75 per hour, and those with a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) designation can command even higher rates in specialized clinics, reaching up to $110 per hour. Hourly rates fluctuate across different employer settings in Akron, including skilled nursing facilities, outpatient therapy clinics, and schools, impacting overall compensation and job sustainability. While some OTs may accept lower hourly rates for the advantage of health benefits, others may prefer higher pay with fewer perks. To navigate these options effectively, occupational therapists are encouraged to negotiate their rates, highlighting their specialized skills and experiences, particularly in fields such as hand therapy or early intervention programs.
More salary data for Akron, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Akron in 2026?
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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 Akron. 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, 7-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