Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Bowling Green, OH: $48.39 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Bowling Green, OH runs $48.39 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $100,642 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Bowling Green's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $53.35 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,387 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapists in Bowling Green, Ohio, can expect a median hourly rate of $48.39, which is slightly below the national median of $49.71. This figure is significant for those seeking part-time or per-diem positions in settings such as hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, school therapy rooms, and outpatient clinics. For part-time therapists working three days a week, the hourly pay can be decent, allowing for flexibility while still earning a respectable income. The hourly wage range in Bowling Green varies from $35.77 at the lower end to $60.57 for the most experienced practitioners, indicating a broad spectrum of earning potential based on experience and area of specialization.
About the Bowling Green Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35.77 | $286.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.13 | $321.05 |
| Median (P50) | $48.39 | $387.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54.92 | $439.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60.57 | $484.55 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bowling Green
Based on $48.39/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.39/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bowling Green, OH can expect to earn approximately $100,644 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,064. With a cost-of-living index of 90.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Bowling Green.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bowling Green
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,935.47 | $8,387 | $100,644 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,161.28 | $5,032 | $60,387 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $774.19 | $3,355 | $40,258 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Bowling Green) | $48.39 |
| 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 Bowling Green, OH earn a median of $100,642 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.67% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 0.60% below the Ohio state average of $101,250.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.39/hr = $60,387/year (purchasing power: $66,578).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $100,644/year (purchasing power: $110,964).
CoL index: 90.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$39.75/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.95/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.39/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Bowling Green (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.75/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.38/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $40.04/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $43.60/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $45.10/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.13/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.95/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.39/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.87/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Bowling Green grew 18.1% from $39.75/hr (2019) to $46.95/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.87/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 Bowling Green 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 Bowling Green
For part-time therapists, the income can add up quickly, especially when considering a schedule of 24 hours per week, which translates to an annual income significantly lower than what full-time colleagues would earn. On the other hand, per diem occupational therapist pay in Bowling Green can range from $50 to $75 per hour, and those with a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential often command higher rates, sometimes reaching $80 to $110 in cash-pay practices. Travel contracts also present lucrative opportunities, with weekly pay ranging from $1,800 to $2,800. Different employer types in the area contribute to varying pay rates; skilled nursing facilities and hospital settings may offer lower rates compared to outpatient or school district positions, which often have more budgetary flexibility. Therapists may face a choice between higher hourly rates without benefits or lower rates with comprehensive health coverage, a trade-off worth considering in financial planning. Negotiating effectively based on regional standards and individual credentials can benefit OTs looking for optimal pay in this evolving landscape of healthcare employment in Bowling Green.
More salary data for Bowling Green, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Bowling Green in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Bowling Green?
Are occupational therapists in Bowling Green paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Bowling Green?
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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 Bowling Green. 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 Bowling Green 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