Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Westerly, RI: $46.66 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Westerly, RI runs $46.66 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $97,045 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Westerly's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.5, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $46.42 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $58,226 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapists in Westerly, Rhode Island, earn a median hourly rate of $46.66, which falls below the national median of $49.71. This hourly pay structure offers flexibility, making it suitable for those considering part-time positions or per-diem work. In common settings such as hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient clinics, part-time therapists working three days a week could expect consistent income. For entry-level positions, rates can begin around $37.06, while seasoned professionals at the top of the scale can secure as much as $58.14. The hourly figures are derived from annual salary estimates and reflect the current demand for OT professionals in diverse environments, ranging from schools to home health visits.
About the Westerly Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.06 | $296.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.41 | $323.28 |
| Median (P50) | $46.66 | $373.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51.47 | $411.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $58.14 | $465.09 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Westerly
Based on $46.66/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $46.66/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Westerly, RI can expect to earn approximately $97,043 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $55,986. With a cost-of-living index of 100.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Westerly.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Westerly
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,866.21 | $8,087 | $97,043 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,119.73 | $4,852 | $58,226 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $746.48 | $3,235 | $38,817 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Westerly) | $46.66 |
| 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 Westerly, RI earn a median of $97,045 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.15% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 6.60% below the Rhode Island state average of $103,903.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $46.66/hr = $58,226/year (purchasing power: $57,936).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $97,043/year (purchasing power: $96,560).
CoL index: 100.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$38.33/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$45.27/hr
2026 Current Est.
$46.66/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Westerly (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38.33/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $38.93/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.61/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $42.04/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $43.48/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.51/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $45.27/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46.66/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48.08/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Westerly grew 18.1% from $38.33/hr (2019) to $45.27/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $48.08/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 Westerly 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 Westerly
Regarding financial potential, part-time occupational therapists in Westerly, working a typical schedule of 24 hours a week, would see a notable variance in earnings compared to full-time counterparts. While full-time workers can bring in steady income, part-time therapists earning at the median rate would see significantly less annual take-home pay. Per-diem occupational therapist pay in Westerly tends to range between $50 and $75, while specialty hand therapists, particularly those with a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential, can command $80 to $110 per hour. This reality shows a marked difference in pay across employer types, including skilled nursing facilities and mental health agencies. Some professionals might accept lower rates for job security and health benefits, while others prioritize higher hourly pay without benefits, making negotiation crucial. It's advisable for OTs to understand their worth in the market before accepting offers, ensuring they recognize the trade-offs in terms of compensation versus benefits within the Westerly area.
More salary data for Westerly, RI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Westerly in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Westerly?
Are occupational therapists in Westerly paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Westerly?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Westerly?
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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 Westerly. 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 Westerly 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