Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Hermiston, OR: $51.55 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Hermiston, OR runs $51.55 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $107,222 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Hermiston's regional price level (BEA RPP 102.6, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $50.24 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $64,335 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapists in Hermiston, Oregon, can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $51.55 in 2026, which is notably higher than the national median of $49.71. This competitive rate offers opportunities not only for full-time positions but also for part-time roles, such as working three days a week. For example, a part-time occupational therapist could thrive in various settings, including hospital rehab units, skilled nursing facilities, or outpatient clinics, providing essential services without the burden of a full-time commitment. The hourly earnings for these professionals can range from $37.98 at the entry-level to $65.89 for top earners, reflecting differing experience levels and expertise within the field. These figures, derived from annual salary data, underscore the potential for flexible work arrangements that are commonly favorable in the occupational therapy profession.
About the Hermiston 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) | $37.98 | $303.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.45 | $339.60 |
| Median (P50) | $51.55 | $412.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57.77 | $462.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $65.89 | $527.09 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hermiston
Based on $51.55/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $51.55/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hermiston, OR can expect to earn approximately $107,225 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $61,861. With a cost-of-living index of 102.60 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Hermiston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hermiston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,062.02 | $8,935 | $107,225 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,237.21 | $5,361 | $64,335 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $824.81 | $3,574 | $42,890 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Hermiston) | $51.55 |
| 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 Hermiston, OR earn a median of $107,222 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.70% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 5.20% below the Oregon state average of $113,103.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $51.55/hr = $64,335/year (purchasing power: $62,705).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $107,225/year (purchasing power: $104,508).
CoL index: 102.6 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$42.35/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$50.02/hr
2026 Current Est.
$51.55/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Hermiston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42.35/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $43.02/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $42.66/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $46.46/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $48.05/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $44.91/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $50.02/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51.55/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53.13/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Hermiston grew 18.1% from $42.35/hr (2019) to $50.02/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $53.13/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 Hermiston 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 Hermiston
When considering the part-time earning potential for an occupational therapist in Hermiston, those working a typical schedule of 24 hours per week could take home an annual income significantly lower than their full-time counterparts. They might earn around $64,000 annually, contrasting sharply with full-time therapists who could exceed $107,000. For per-diem occupational therapists, the pay rate typically billed ranges from $50 to $75 per hour, while certified hand therapists with a CHT credential can command rates as high as $80 to $110 per hour in specialized cash-pay practices. Travel contracts further complicate the landscape, presenting rates between $1,800 and $2,800 weekly. Additionally, hourly pay can vary across different employer types, from skilled nursing facilities to early intervention programs, with some therapists opting for lower hourly wages to gain access to health benefits. Negotiation skills may be vital for hourly workers, particularly in Hermiston, emphasizing the importance of researching local market rates and understanding the specific advantages each employment type may offer.
More salary data for Hermiston, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Hermiston in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Hermiston?
Are occupational therapists in Hermiston paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Hermiston?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Hermiston?
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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 Hermiston. 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 Hermiston 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