Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Lancaster, OH: $48.37 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Lancaster, OH runs $48.37 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $100,610 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Lancaster's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $53.33 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,361 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lancaster, Ohio, the occupational therapist hourly rate is projected to be $48.37 in 2026, slightly lower than the national median of $49.71. This hourly figure translates favorably for part-time and per-diem occupational therapists working in various settings, such as hospital rehab units, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient clinics. For example, therapists working three days a week can expect to earn a substantial take-home pay, with an hourly range that spans from $35.74 for entry-level positions to as high as $62.24 for experienced professionals. These figures are derived from annual salary estimates, highlighting the stable demand for occupational therapists in Lancaster and its potential for competitive pay across different employment environments.
About the Lancaster 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) | $35.74 | $285.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.10 | $320.81 |
| Median (P50) | $48.37 | $386.93 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55.93 | $447.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62.24 | $497.90 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lancaster
Based on $48.37/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.37/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lancaster, OH can expect to earn approximately $100,601 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,039. With a cost-of-living index of 90.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lancaster.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lancaster
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,934.64 | $8,383 | $100,601 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,160.79 | $5,030 | $60,361 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $773.86 | $3,353 | $40,241 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Lancaster) | $48.37 |
| 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 Lancaster, OH earn a median of $100,610 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.70% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 0.70% below the Ohio state average of $101,320.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.37/hr = $60,361/year (purchasing power: $66,550).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $100,601/year (purchasing power: $110,917).
CoL index: 90.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$39.74/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.93/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.37/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Lancaster (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.74/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.36/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $40.03/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $43.59/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $45.08/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.12/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.93/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.37/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.85/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Lancaster grew 18.1% from $39.74/hr (2019) to $46.93/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.85/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 Lancaster 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 Lancaster
Assessing the financial landscape, part-time occupational therapists in Lancaster can earn significant annual incomes by working 24 hours a week, although their earnings will differ from those of full-time professionals. Per-diem roles are particularly lucrative, with many occupational therapists billing between $50 and $75 per hour, while certified hand therapists may command hourly rates of $80 to $110, especially in cash-pay practices. Travel occupational therapy contracts can reach as high as $2,800 per week, making these positions financially appealing. Hourly rates can vary significantly depending on the type of employer; skilled nursing facilities and outpatient clinics may offer different compensation packages. While some therapists may opt for roles that offer lower hourly wages but include essential benefits like health insurance, others might prioritize higher hourly rates by working for agencies or on a locum basis. When negotiating hourly pay, therapists should consider emphasizing their specialized skills, such as CHT certification or experience with early intervention programs, to enhance their earning potential in Lancaster's competitive market.
More salary data for Lancaster, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Lancaster in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Lancaster?
Are occupational therapists in Lancaster paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Lancaster?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Lancaster?
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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 Lancaster. 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 Lancaster 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