Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Columbus, OH: $49.02 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Columbus, OH runs $49.02 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $101,947 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Columbus's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.5, 5% below national), each hour of work buys what $51.34 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $61,171 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Columbus, Ohio, occupational therapists earn a median hourly rate of $49.02, which is slightly below the national median of $49.71. This hourly rate offers significant financial flexibility for part-time therapists working three days a week, allowing for a manageable work-life balance while still making a substantial income. Per-diem occupational therapists in Columbus typically find work in various environments including hospital rehab units, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient therapy clinics, often earning between $32.24 and $59.31 per hour. Given the competitive rate structure and the diversity of settings available, the hourly compensation reflects the demand for skilled professionals in the region.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32.24 | $257.90 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.68 | $325.42 |
| Median (P50) | $49.02 | $392.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53.00 | $424.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59.31 | $474.49 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Columbus
Based on $49.02/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.02/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Columbus, OH can expect to earn approximately $101,952 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,818. With a cost-of-living index of 95.47 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Columbus.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Columbus
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,960.61 | $8,496 | $101,952 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,176.37 | $5,098 | $61,171 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $784.25 | $3,398 | $40,781 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Columbus) | $49.02 |
| 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 Columbus, OH earn a median of $101,947 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.41% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 0.70% above the Ohio state average of $101,238.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.02/hr = $61,171/year (purchasing power: $64,074).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $101,952/year (purchasing power: $106,791).
CoL index: 95.469 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$36.60/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.56/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.02/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Columbus (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36.60/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $38.52/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $39.62/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $45.99/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.88/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $45.56/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.56/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.02/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.52/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Columbus grew 29.9% from $36.60/hr (2019) to $47.56/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.52/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 Columbus 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 Columbus
For those contemplating part-time positions, working as an occupational therapist for 24 hours a week can yield a respectable annual income, though it will not match the earnings of a full-time professional. Per-diem occupational therapists frequently bill between $50 and $75 per hour, while specialized hand therapists with a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) designation can earn significantly more, in the range of $80 to $110 an hour. Additionally, travel contracts in this field can offer substantial weekly pay of anywhere from $1,800 to $2,800. It's crucial to note that hourly rates can differ considerably depending on the employer type—whether it be skilled nursing facilities, schools, or home health agencies. Many therapists may opt for lower hourly rates for the benefits associated with full-time positions, prompting a careful assessment of financial priorities and healthcare coverage needs. Negotiating hourly pay in Columbus can be strategic, with insights about local averages and demand helping therapists secure favorable terms in their job offers.
More salary data for Columbus, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Columbus in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Columbus?
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How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Columbus?
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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 Columbus. 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