Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Westerville, OH: $48.05 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Westerville, OH runs $48.05 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $99,942 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Westerville's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $52.97 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $59,962 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapist hourly pay in Westerville, OH, is projected to reach $48.05 in 2026, slightly below the national hourly median of $49.71. This rate means that part-time occupational therapists working three days a week can expect to earn a substantial income, particularly in various settings such as hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient therapy clinics. With an hourly range spanning from $34.96 at the entry level to $59.49 for the top earners, Westerville provides a solid earning potential for professionals in this field. It's essential to note that these hourly estimates are derived from annual salary data, reflecting the diverse roles and responsibilities that occupational therapists undertake within their communities.
About the Westerville 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) | $34.96 | $279.66 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.43 | $315.45 |
| Median (P50) | $48.05 | $384.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54.14 | $433.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59.49 | $475.89 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Westerville
Based on $48.05/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.05/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Westerville, OH can expect to earn approximately $99,937 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $57,656. With a cost-of-living index of 90.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Westerville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Westerville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,921.86 | $8,328 | $99,937 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,153.12 | $4,997 | $59,962 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $768.75 | $3,331 | $39,975 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Westerville) | $48.05 |
| 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 Westerville, OH earn a median of $99,942 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.34% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 1.30% below the Ohio state average of $101,259.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.05/hr = $59,962/year (purchasing power: $66,110).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $99,937/year (purchasing power: $110,184).
CoL index: 90.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$39.47/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.62/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.05/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Westerville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.47/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.09/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $39.76/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $43.30/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.78/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.86/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.62/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.05/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.52/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Westerville grew 18.1% from $39.47/hr (2019) to $46.62/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.52/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 Westerville 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 Westerville
When considering part-time employment, occupational therapists in Westerville earning an hourly wage may bring home approximately $56,000 annually for working 24 hours a week, notably lower than their full-time counterparts. Per diem occupational therapist pay in Westerville can vary significantly, with many charging rates between $50 and $75 per hour, while certified hand therapy (CHT) specialists command up to $110 per hour in cash-pay arrangements. Hourly rates also fluctuate across different employers—from skilled nursing facilities to school districts and home health agencies—affecting overall compensation and benefits. Occupational therapists faced with choices between lower hourly rates with benefits or higher wages without may find their decision influenced by personal circumstances. To secure desirable hourly contracts in Westerville, it's advisable to highlight specialized training, such as CHT credentials, and to negotiate effectively based on unique skills and market demand.
More salary data for Westerville, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Westerville in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Westerville?
Are occupational therapists in Westerville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Westerville?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Westerville?
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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 Westerville. 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 Westerville 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