Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Portland, OR: $55.55 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Portland, OR runs $55.55 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $115,530 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Portland's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.4, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $52.69 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $69,326 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Portland, Oregon, the occupational therapist hourly pay is set at a competitive $55.55, notably exceeding the national hourly median of $49.71. This attractive rate benefits both full-time professionals and those seeking part-time or per-diem roles in various settings, including hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient clinics. For OTs working part-time, typically around three days a week, this hourly rate translates into substantial earnings that reflect their expertise. The hourly compensation in Portland spans a range, starting at approximately $42.36 for entry-level positions and reaching up to $65.26 for those at the top of the pay scale. These figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, highlighting the favorable landscape for occupational therapists in the city.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42.36 | $338.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49.45 | $395.59 |
| Median (P50) | $55.55 | $444.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $63.71 | $509.69 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $65.26 | $522.06 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Portland
Based on $55.55/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $55.55/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Portland, OR can expect to earn approximately $115,543 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $66,659. With a cost-of-living index of 105.42 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Portland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Portland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,221.97 | $9,629 | $115,543 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,333.18 | $5,777 | $69,326 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $888.79 | $3,851 | $46,217 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Portland) | $55.55 |
| 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 Portland, OR earn a median of $115,530 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.73% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 2.20% above the Oregon state average of $113,043.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $55.55/hr = $69,326/year (purchasing power: $65,761).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $115,543/year (purchasing power: $109,601).
CoL index: 105.421 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$45.11/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$53.90/hr
2026 Current Est.
$55.55/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Portland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45.11/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $44.97/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.47/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $47.69/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $48.39/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $50.50/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $53.90/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $55.55/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57.25/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Portland grew 19.5% from $45.11/hr (2019) to $53.90/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $57.25/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 Portland 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 Portland
Beyond the base hourly rate, part-time occupational therapists can still yield a significant income even when working reduced hours. For instance, a 3-day work week resulting in 24 hours translates to earnings that can approach a robust figure when calculated annually. Per-diem work offers flexibility, with rates often between $50-$75 per hour; specialized hand therapists, particularly those with CHT credentials, can command even higher rates ranging from $80 to $110 in cash-pay practices. Occupational therapist hourly rates can fluctuate based on different employer types within Portland; those employed in skilled nursing or mental health facilities might see different compensation structures compared to OT specialists in outpatient clinics or school therapy settings. While some occupational therapists may opt for positions with lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance, others may prioritize higher pay for the flexibility of per-diem work. Negotiating hourly rates effectively involves understanding local market conditions and being prepared to discuss expertise and specialty certifications, such as CHT, which can significantly enhance earning potential.
More salary data for Portland, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Portland in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Portland?
Are occupational therapists in Portland paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Portland?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Portland?
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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 Portland. 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