Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Cleveland, OH: $51.07 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Cleveland, OH runs $51.07 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $106,214 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Cleveland's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.9, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $54.37 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $63,731 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Cleveland, Ohio, the occupational therapist hourly pay is projected to reach $51.07 in 2026, surpassing the national median of $49.71 per hour. This elevated wage reflects the demand for skilled professionals in various settings, such as hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient clinics. For part-time therapists working three days a week, or for per-diem occupational therapists, this hourly rate provides a significant earning capacity that can translate into a stable income without the commitment of full-time hours. The range for occupational therapists in Cleveland extends from $38.28 for entry-level positions to $61.51 for those at the top of their field, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data projected for 2026.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.28 | $306.21 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.38 | $331.03 |
| Median (P50) | $51.07 | $408.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55.10 | $440.77 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61.51 | $492.05 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cleveland
Based on $51.07/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $51.07/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cleveland, OH can expect to earn approximately $106,218 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $61,279. With a cost-of-living index of 93.92 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Cleveland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cleveland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,042.65 | $8,851 | $106,218 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,225.59 | $5,311 | $63,731 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $817.06 | $3,541 | $42,487 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Cleveland) | $51.07 |
| 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 Cleveland, OH earn a median of $106,214 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.72% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 4.90% above the Ohio state average of $101,252.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $51.07/hr = $63,731/year (purchasing power: $67,854).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $106,218/year (purchasing power: $113,090).
CoL index: 93.923 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$43.19/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$49.55/hr
2026 Current Est.
$51.07/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+21.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Cleveland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43.19/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $44.83/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $40.20/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $48.19/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $47.05/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $48.46/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $49.55/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51.07/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52.63/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Cleveland grew 14.7% from $43.19/hr (2019) to $49.55/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $52.63/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 Cleveland 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 Cleveland
Considering part-time work, an occupational therapist in Cleveland, working a typical schedule of 24 hours per week, can expect to take home approximately $53,396 annually, which compares favorably to their full-time counterparts. The reality for per-diem and agency occupational therapists often includes billing rates that can vary significantly; while many may charge between $50 to $75 per hour, Certified Hand Therapists (CHTs) are able to command rates of $80 to $110 in cash-pay settings. Moreover, travel OT contracts can offer lucrative compensation, ranging from $1,800 to $2,800 weekly. Hourly rates also differ among employers, with skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies often providing lower wages compared to hospital settings or outpatient therapy clinics, largely due to the benefits they offer packages that attract professionals seeking health insurance and stability. Those negotiating their pay should emphasize their unique qualifications, including certifications from networks like AOTA and NBCOT, to secure more favorable terms in this growing field within Cleveland, OH.
More salary data for Cleveland, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Cleveland 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 Cleveland. 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