Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Oklahoma City, OK: $51.08 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Oklahoma City, OK runs $51.08 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $106,234 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Oklahoma City's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $56.50 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $63,744 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
For occupational therapists in Oklahoma City, the projected hourly pay is $51.08, which is notably above the national median hourly rate of $49.71. This competitive pay offers meaningful compensation for various work arrangements, including part-time positions and per-diem work. Occupational therapists often find employment in diverse settings such as hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and schools. The hourly pay range tops at $66.14 for the highest earners, providing substantial financial opportunities in the state. The entry-level positions, with hourly rates starting at $32.98, also indicate that the profession offers a pathway for growth and advancement in one's career. These figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32.98 | $263.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.95 | $335.56 |
| Median (P50) | $51.08 | $408.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58.67 | $469.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $66.14 | $529.15 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Oklahoma City
Based on $51.08/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $51.08/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Oklahoma City, OK can expect to earn approximately $106,239 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $61,292. With a cost-of-living index of 90.41 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Oklahoma City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Oklahoma City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,043.06 | $8,853 | $106,239 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,225.84 | $5,312 | $63,744 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $817.22 | $3,541 | $42,496 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Oklahoma City) | $51.08 |
| 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 Oklahoma City, OK earn a median of $106,234 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.74% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 15.60% above the Oklahoma state average of $91,898.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $51.08/hr = $63,744/year (purchasing power: $70,507).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $106,239/year (purchasing power: $117,511).
CoL index: 90.408 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$42.77/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$49.56/hr
2026 Current Est.
$51.08/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+23.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Oklahoma City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42.77/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $44.38/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $40.93/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $44.42/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $48.59/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $48.50/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $49.56/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51.08/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52.64/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Oklahoma City grew 15.9% from $42.77/hr (2019) to $49.56/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $52.64/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 Oklahoma City 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 Oklahoma City
For those considering a part-time role in Oklahoma City, an occupational therapist working three days a week (approximately 24 hours) can expect to earn about $52,000 annually, providing a comfortable income compared to a full-time salary. However, per-diem occupational therapists typically experience varying financial realities, with pay rates often falling between $50 and $75 per hour, depending on the work setting. CHT-credentialed hand therapists can command even higher rates, ranging from $80 to $110 per hour in specialized practices, while travel OT contracts may offer substantial weekly pay of $1,800 to $2,800. Earnings fluctuate widely based on the employment type—for instance, those in skilled nursing facilities may earn less than therapists in outpatient clinics or school districts. Additionally, the decision to accept a lower hourly rate often involves a trade-off between securing benefits like health insurance and opting for higher hourly wages without such perks. For effective negotiations in Oklahoma City, understanding market rates and articulating the value of experience and specialized skills is crucial.
More salary data for Oklahoma City, OK:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Oklahoma City in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Oklahoma City?
Are occupational therapists in Oklahoma City paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Oklahoma City?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Oklahoma City?
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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 Oklahoma City. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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