Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Salem, OR: $54.35 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Salem, OR runs $54.35 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $113,057 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Salem's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.6, 4% above national), each hour of work buys what $52.44 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $67,834 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, occupational therapists in Salem, Oregon, are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $54.35, surpassing the national median of $49.71. This competitive hourly wage provides significant opportunities for both part-time and per-diem workers in various clinical settings such as hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and schools. For those working three days a week, this salary translates into a steady income stream, while per-diem arrangements offer flexibility and the potential for higher earnings, particularly in specialized areas like hand therapy where rates can reach up to $64.60 for top earners. With entry-level positions starting at around $43.38 per hour, the range for occupational therapist hourly pay in Salem allows for career progression and specialization, reflecting the diverse needs of the local community. This data is based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43.38 | $347.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48.74 | $389.90 |
| Median (P50) | $54.35 | $434.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $62.51 | $500.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64.60 | $516.78 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Salem
Based on $54.35/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $54.35/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Salem, OR can expect to earn approximately $113,056 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $65,225. With a cost-of-living index of 103.65 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Salem.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Salem
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,174.15 | $9,421 | $113,056 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,304.49 | $5,653 | $67,834 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $869.66 | $3,769 | $45,222 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Salem) | $54.35 |
| 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 Salem, OR earn a median of $113,057 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.34% higher than the national median of $103,400.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $54.35/hr = $67,834/year (purchasing power: $65,445).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $113,056/year (purchasing power: $109,076).
CoL index: 103.649 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$39.98/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$52.74/hr
2026 Current Est.
$54.35/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+40.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Salem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.98/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $41.22/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.62/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $48.42/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $50.86/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $49.19/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $52.74/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54.35/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56.02/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Salem grew 31.9% from $39.98/hr (2019) to $52.74/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $56.02/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 Salem 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 Salem
Considering part-time work in Salem, an occupational therapist averaging 24 hours a week can expect to take home approximately $67,845 annually, compared to those working full-time, who earn around $113,057. The per diem occupational therapist pay in Salem often varies based on specific contracts, typically billing between $50 and $75 per hour; for certified hand therapists, rates can skyrocket to between $80 and $110 in cash-pay practices. Additionally, travel OT contracts may offer enticing weekly compensation, sometimes ranging from $1,800 to $2,800. Hourly rates differ across employer types, with skilled nursing facilities and hospital rehab offering comparatively lower pay than specialty clinics or home health agencies, which might provide better benefits. Consequently, some therapists may choose to accept a lower hourly rate with benefits as a trade-off for financial stability, while others may negotiate for higher pay yet without a benefits package. Ultimately, successful negotiation can be influenced by factors such as certification level, experience, and the specific demands of local employers in Salem.
More salary data for Salem, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Salem in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Salem?
Are occupational therapists in Salem paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Salem?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Salem?
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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 Salem. 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