Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Mitchell, SD: $43.91 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Mitchell, SD runs $43.91 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $91,341 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Mitchell's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $47.32 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $54,805 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Mitchell, South Dakota, the occupational therapist hourly pay is projected to be $43.91 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median of $49.71 per hour. This difference indicates a unique circumstance for part-time occupational therapists working three days a week, as they can anticipate substantial earnings while also enjoying a balanced work-life situation. The hourly range in Mitchell varies from approximately $32.63 for entry-level positions to around $53.82 for skilled practitioners, reflecting the local job market’s dynamics. Part-time and per-diem occupational therapists typically operate in various settings, such as hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, and schools, allowing for flexible scheduling. This structure suits many professionals seeking to optimize their income while catering to diverse therapy needs across the Mitchell area.
About the Mitchell 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) | $32.63 | $261.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.36 | $290.88 |
| Median (P50) | $43.91 | $351.31 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.41 | $395.26 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.82 | $430.54 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Mitchell
Based on $43.91/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $43.91/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Mitchell, SD can expect to earn approximately $91,341 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $52,697. With a cost-of-living index of 92.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Mitchell.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Mitchell
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,756.55 | $7,612 | $91,341 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,053.93 | $4,567 | $54,805 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $702.62 | $3,045 | $36,536 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Mitchell) | $43.91 |
| 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 Mitchell, SD earn a median of $91,341 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.66% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 4.80% below the South Dakota state average of $95,946.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $43.91/hr = $54,805/year (purchasing power: $59,057).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $91,341/year (purchasing power: $98,428).
CoL index: 92.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$36.08/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$42.61/hr
2026 Current Est.
$43.91/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Mitchell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36.08/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $36.64/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.34/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $39.57/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $40.93/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.83/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $42.61/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43.91/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45.26/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Mitchell grew 18.1% from $36.08/hr (2019) to $42.61/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $45.26/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 Mitchell 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 Mitchell
When considering the earning potential for a 3-day workweek, a part-time occupational therapist in Mitchell could bring in approximately $54,618 annually, significantly less than their full-time counterparts who make around $91,341 each year. Per-diem occupational therapists often operate within a range of $50 to $75 per hour, with certified hand therapists potentially earning between $80 and $110 per hour in cash-pay environments. Moreover, travel OT contracts can take a substantial leap, generating around $1,800 to $2,800 weekly. In Mitchell, hourly rates can differ based on employer type, with skilled nursing facilities, hospital inpatient rehab, and outpatient clinics offering varying compensation structures. While higher hourly rates may appeal to some, they often come without traditional benefits like health insurance, prompting therapists to weigh options carefully. Negotiation strategies for hourly workers in Mitchell may include emphasizing specializations, such as the CHT credential, which can add value and justify a higher rate.
More salary data for Mitchell, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Mitchell in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Mitchell?
Are occupational therapists in Mitchell paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Mitchell?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Mitchell?
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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 Mitchell. 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 Mitchell 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