Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Delaware, OH: $48.09 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Delaware, OH runs $48.09 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $100,021 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Delaware's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $53.02 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,014 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapists in Delaware, OH, can expect a median hourly pay of $48.09, which is slightly lower than the national median hourly rate of $49.71. This rate presents considerable opportunities for both part-time and per-diem workers across various clinical settings such as hospital rehab units, school therapy rooms, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient clinics. An entry-level occupational therapist may earn around $35.05 per hour, while experienced professionals can command up to $59.49 an hour. The hourly figures stem from annual salary estimates and reflect the diverse compensation landscape within the city, providing a solid foundation for professionals looking to establish or further their careers in this thriving field.
About the Delaware 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) | $35.05 | $280.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.38 | $331.03 |
| Median (P50) | $48.09 | $384.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54.30 | $434.42 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59.49 | $475.89 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Delaware
Based on $48.09/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.09/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Delaware, OH can expect to earn approximately $100,023 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $57,705. With a cost-of-living index of 90.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Delaware.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Delaware
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,923.51 | $8,335 | $100,023 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,154.11 | $5,001 | $60,014 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $769.40 | $3,334 | $40,009 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Delaware) | $48.09 |
| 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 Delaware, OH earn a median of $100,021 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.27% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 1.30% below the Ohio state average of $101,338.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.09/hr = $60,014/year (purchasing power: $66,167).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $100,023/year (purchasing power: $110,279).
CoL index: 90.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$39.51/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.66/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.09/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Delaware (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.51/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.13/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $39.80/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $43.33/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.82/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.89/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.66/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.09/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.56/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Delaware grew 18.1% from $39.51/hr (2019) to $46.66/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.56/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 Delaware 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 Delaware
Considering a part-time schedule of three days a week, an occupational therapist in Delaware could realistically bring home around $37,963 annually, significantly less than their full-time counterparts. Those working as per-diem occupational therapists frequently have the potential to negotiate hourly rates ranging from $50 to $75, with certified hand therapists (CHTs) achieving even higher rates, sometimes between $80 and $110 per hour in cash-pay practices. Across various employment sectors within Delaware, such as home health agencies, early intervention programs, and outpatient clinics, hourly rates can fluctuate based on contractual arrangements and benefits offered. While some therapists may opt for positions with lower pay coupled with health insurance benefits, others may prefer higher pay without benefits, highlighting the negotiation dynamics in the industry. As the demand for skilled occupational therapists continues to grow, professionals in Delaware can leverage these insights for successful salary negotiations tailored to their specific circumstances and career goals.
More salary data for Delaware, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Delaware in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Delaware?
Are occupational therapists in Delaware paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Delaware?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Delaware?
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Career Resources
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 Delaware. 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 Delaware 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