Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Parma, OH: $49.09 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Parma, OH runs $49.09 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $102,099 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Parma's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $54.12 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $61,261 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Occupational therapists in Parma, OH, earn a median hourly pay of $49.09, slightly below the national median of $49.71. This pay scale provides a solid opportunity for both part-time professionals and per-diem workers in various therapeutic environments like hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, schools, and outpatient clinics. For those working part-time, especially those on a three-day-per-week schedule, the predictable income from this hourly rate is appealing, while the hourly range in this field spans from $34.72 for entry-level positions (P10) to $62.62 for top earners (P90). It’s essential to note that these hourly estimates are derived from annual salary data, making them reflective of the broader compensation packages occupational therapists can expect in Parma.
When considering part-time work, an occupational therapist averaging 24 hours a week at the local hourly rate could expect to take home about $61,133 annually. This stands in stark contrast to full-time roles, which typically yield higher earnings. Many per diem occupational therapists in Parma might charge between $50 and $75 per hour, and those with the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential can command an even higher rate of $80 to $110 per hour in cash-pay practices. Hourly wages vary significantly based on the type of employer; for instance, skilled nursing facilities often offer lower rates compared to home health agencies or outpatient clinics. Some professionals weigh higher hourly pay against potential benefits packages. Practical negotiation strategies for hourly workers in Parma include being aware of the market rates and leveraging certifications like the CHT to secure better compensation, especially given the projected growth rate of 3.06% in the coming years.
About the Parma 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) | $34.72 | $277.77 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.73 | $317.84 |
| Median (P50) | $49.09 | $392.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56.29 | $450.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62.62 | $500.95 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Parma
Based on $49.09/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.09/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Parma, OH can expect to earn approximately $102,102 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,905. With a cost-of-living index of 90.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Parma.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Parma
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,963.50 | $8,508 | $102,102 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,178.10 | $5,105 | $61,261 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $785.40 | $3,403 | $40,841 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Parma) | $49.09 |
| 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 Parma, OH earn a median of $102,099 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.26% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 0.80% above the Ohio state average of $101,289.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.09/hr = $61,261/year (purchasing power: $67,543).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $102,102/year (purchasing power: $112,571).
CoL index: 90.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$40.33/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.63/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.09/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Parma (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40.33/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.96/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $40.62/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $44.24/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $45.75/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.68/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.63/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.09/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.59/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Parma grew 18.1% from $40.33/hr (2019) to $47.63/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.59/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 Parma 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.
More salary data for Parma, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Parma in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Parma?
Are occupational therapists in Parma paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Parma?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Parma?
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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 Parma. 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 Parma 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