Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Gresham, OR: $55.61 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Gresham, OR runs $55.61 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $115,681 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Gresham's regional price level (BEA RPP 102.6, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $54.20 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $69,403 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Gresham, Oregon, occupational therapists command a median hourly rate of $55.61, which significantly surpasses the national median of $49.71. This competitive hourly wage is particularly advantageous for part-time and per-diem occupational therapists working in various settings, including hospital rehab units, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient clinics. Those considering part-time roles, such as a three-day workweek, can find this hourly rate makes a substantial financial impact, while per-diem workers can expect to earn between $38.06 and $71.79 depending on experience and specialization. With the potential for lower entry-level rates and higher salaries for seasoned professionals, the hourly pay structure in Gresham positions occupational therapists favorably compared to many other regions in Oregon.
About the Gresham Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($96,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.06 | $304.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44.23 | $353.87 |
| Median (P50) | $55.61 | $444.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $64.02 | $512.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $71.79 | $574.33 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Gresham
Based on $55.61/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $55.61/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Gresham, OR can expect to earn approximately $115,671 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $66,733. With a cost-of-living index of 102.60 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Gresham.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Gresham
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,224.45 | $9,639 | $115,671 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,334.67 | $5,784 | $69,403 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $889.78 | $3,856 | $46,268 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Gresham) | $55.61 |
| 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 Gresham, OR earn a median of $115,681 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.88% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 2.30% above the Oregon state average of $113,080.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $55.61/hr = $69,403/year (purchasing power: $67,644).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $115,671/year (purchasing power: $112,740).
CoL index: 102.6 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$45.69/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$53.96/hr
2026 Current Est.
$55.61/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Gresham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45.69/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $46.40/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $46.02/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $50.11/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $51.83/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $48.45/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $53.96/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $55.61/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57.31/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Gresham grew 18.1% from $45.69/hr (2019) to $53.96/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $57.31/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 Gresham 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 Gresham
Prospective occupational therapists looking to transition into part-time work should consider the substantial earnings difference compared to full-time positions. Working 24 hours a week would yield a comfortable annual take-home, although it would still fall short compared to full-time salaries. Per diem occupational therapists in Gresham may bill between $50-$75 per hour, while those with certified hand therapy (CHT) credentials can earn even more, often reaching $80-$110 per hour in cash-paying practices. Hourly rates can vary markedly based on employer type, from skilled nursing facilities to school districts and home health agencies. While some may opt for positions with lower hourly rates that come with benefits, others might pursue higher hourly pay with minimal employer-sponsored support. For those negotiating hourly terms, it's wise to research prevailing rates in Gresham and to clearly articulate the value of specialized skills, such as those required for the CHT credential.
More salary data for Gresham, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Gresham in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Gresham?
Are occupational therapists in Gresham paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Gresham?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Gresham?
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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 Gresham. 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 Gresham 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