Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Lorain, OH: $49.22 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Lorain, OH runs $49.22 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $102,380 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Lorain's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $54.27 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $61,428 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lorain, Ohio, the projected occupational therapist hourly pay for 2026 stands at $49.22, which is slightly lower than the national median of $49.71. This competitive hourly rate allows for a solid income for therapists, whether they opt for part-time hours at settings such as hospital rehab units or skilled nursing facilities or pursue per-diem opportunities in various environments like outpatient clinics or home health visits. The hourly earnings for occupational therapists range significantly based on experience and specialization, from an entry-level rate of $33.55 to seasoned professionals earning up to $63.07. These figures, derived from annual salary data, reflect the diverse work opportunities available to OTs in Lorain, making it an appealing choice for those in the field.
About the Lorain 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) | $33.55 | $268.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.88 | $335.07 |
| Median (P50) | $49.22 | $393.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56.57 | $452.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63.07 | $504.58 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lorain
Based on $49.22/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.22/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lorain, OH can expect to earn approximately $102,381 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $59,066. With a cost-of-living index of 90.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lorain.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lorain
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,968.86 | $8,532 | $102,381 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,181.31 | $5,119 | $61,428 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $787.54 | $3,413 | $40,952 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Lorain) | $49.22 |
| 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 Lorain, OH earn a median of $102,380 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.99% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 1.10% above the Ohio state average of $101,266.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.22/hr = $61,428/year (purchasing power: $67,727).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $102,381/year (purchasing power: $112,878).
CoL index: 90.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$40.44/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.76/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.22/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Lorain (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40.44/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $41.07/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $40.73/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $44.36/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $45.87/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.79/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.76/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.22/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.73/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Lorain grew 18.1% from $40.44/hr (2019) to $47.76/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.73/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 Lorain 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 Lorain
With a part-time schedule of three days a week amounting to 24 hours, an occupational therapist in Lorain can expect to take home about $61,786 annually, which illustrates the financial viability of working part-time compared to full-time employment. The per diem occupational therapist pay in Lorain often varies, with many freelancers billing between $50 and $75 per hour, while certified hand therapists commanding even higher rates in cash-pay settings. The type of employer also influences hourly wages; for instance, OTs in skilled nursing facilities may earn different rates than those in school districts or outpatient clinics. While some occupational therapists may choose lower-paying positions to secure health insurance benefits, others may prefer the higher hourly compensation available without benefits in private practice or agency work. For those negotiating their hourly rate, it’s advisable to consider the local job market and to be prepared to discuss one's qualifications, especially if holding a CHT credential, which can significantly boost earning potential in Lorain.
More salary data for Lorain, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Lorain in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Lorain?
Are occupational therapists in Lorain paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Lorain?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Lorain?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
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 Lorain. 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 Lorain 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