Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Huron, SD: $42.54 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Huron, SD runs $42.54 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $88,491 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Huron's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $45.84 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $53,094 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Huron, South Dakota, the occupational therapist hourly pay stands at a median of $42.54, which is noticeably lower than the national median of $49.71. This rate reflects a broad range, with entry-level positions earning approximately $32.95 per hour while top earners can achieve $52.15. For those considering part-time work at three days a week, this hourly pay translates into a practical earning potential that can support flexible schedules often preferred by therapists in various settings. Roles can include hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing therapy rooms, and outpatient hand therapy clinics, making it essential for OTs to understand the financial implications of hourly work, especially when factoring in the varied needs of patients they serve. This hourly wage is derived from projected annual salary figures, providing a framework for therapists looking to navigate their compensation based on the estimated annual figures for 2026.
About the Huron Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32.95 | $263.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.19 | $289.56 |
| Median (P50) | $42.54 | $340.35 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.78 | $390.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.15 | $417.19 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Huron
Based on $42.54/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.54/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Huron, SD can expect to earn approximately $88,490 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $51,052. With a cost-of-living index of 92.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Huron.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Huron
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,701.73 | $7,374 | $88,490 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,021.04 | $4,424 | $53,094 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $680.69 | $2,950 | $35,396 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Huron) | $42.54 |
| 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 Huron, SD earn a median of $88,491 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.42% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 7.80% below the South Dakota state average of $95,978.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.54/hr = $53,094/year (purchasing power: $57,213).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $88,490/year (purchasing power: $95,355).
CoL index: 92.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$34.95/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.28/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.54/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Huron (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.95/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.50/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.21/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.34/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $39.65/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.74/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.28/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.54/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.84/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Huron grew 18.1% from $34.95/hr (2019) to $41.28/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.84/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 Huron 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 Huron
Beyond the straightforward hourly rate, the earning potential for occupational therapists in Huron varies significantly based on work arrangements and employer types. For instance, a part-time occupational therapist working three days a week, putting in around 24 hours, can expect annual earnings that are considerably lower compared to full-time hours, thereby complicating long-term financial planning. Many opt for per-diem work, where occupational therapists commonly bill between $50 and $75 per hour, and those with CHT credentials can command even higher rates, ranging from $80 to $110 in cash-pay practices. Travel contracts also yield impressive weekly earnings of around $1,800 to $2,800, contributing to a competitive occupational therapist hourly rate in the area. However, some professionals choose hourly positions with lower rates in exchange for essential benefits like health insurance, which is a valuable trade-off that affects immediate income versus long-term stability. Negotiating hourly pay in Huron can prove beneficial, especially when presenting competencies related to specialized areas like hand therapy; potential employees should emphasize their qualifications to enhance their bargaining position.
More salary data for Huron, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Huron in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Huron?
Are occupational therapists in Huron paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Huron?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Huron?
Related Pages
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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 Huron. 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 Huron 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