Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Highland, UT: $44.86 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Highland, UT runs $44.86 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $93,303 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Highland's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.1, 2% below national), each hour of work buys what $45.73 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $55,988 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Highland, Utah, an occupational therapist earns a median hourly rate of $44.86, which is slightly below the national median of $49.71. This pay scale opens opportunities not only for full-time positions but also for part-time and per-diem work in various therapeutic settings such as hospital rehab units, skilled nursing facilities, schools, outpatient clinics, and home health services. The hourly range for occupational therapists in Highland spans from $32.45 at the entry-level (P10) to $54.00 for top earners (P90), suggesting that those new to the profession can still find competitive compensation. The nature of the field, including the increasing demand for occupational therapy services, allows professionals to structure their careers flexibly, with many opting for 24-hour workweeks spread over three days, contributing to a balanced work-life dynamic.
About the Highland Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32.45 | $259.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.29 | $314.29 |
| Median (P50) | $44.86 | $358.90 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.87 | $398.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54.00 | $432.03 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Highland
Based on $44.86/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $44.86/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Highland, UT can expect to earn approximately $93,313 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $53,834. With a cost-of-living index of 98.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Highland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Highland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,794.48 | $7,776 | $93,313 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,076.69 | $4,666 | $55,988 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $717.79 | $3,110 | $37,325 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Highland) | $44.86 |
| 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 Highland, UT earn a median of $93,303 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.76% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 5.90% below the Utah state average of $99,153.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $44.86/hr = $55,988/year (purchasing power: $57,072).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $93,313/year (purchasing power: $95,120).
CoL index: 98.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$36.86/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$43.53/hr
2026 Current Est.
$44.86/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Highland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36.86/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $37.43/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.13/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $40.43/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $41.81/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.40/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $43.53/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44.86/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46.23/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Highland grew 18.1% from $36.86/hr (2019) to $43.53/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $46.23/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 Highland 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 Highland
Assessing the annual income for a part-time occupational therapist in Highland, someone working three days a week would accumulate approximately $35,289, which is significantly lower than a full-time counterpart's earnings. Per-diem occupational therapists can realize greater earning potential, frequently billing between $50 and $75 per hour, while certified hand therapists can command even higher rates in cash-pay practices, ranging from $80 to $110 per hour. Employers in Highland, including skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and school districts, offer varied hourly wages based on the type of service provided and client needs. While gaining benefits such as health insurance may lead some therapists to accept lower hourly rates, others may prefer higher pay for flexibility without benefits. When negotiating hourly rates in Highland, it is beneficial to research local pay trends and emphasize specialized skills, especially for those holding CHT credentials, which can substantially influence earning potential.
More salary data for Highland, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Highland in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Highland?
Are occupational therapists in Highland paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Highland?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Highland?
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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 Highland. 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 Highland 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