Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Orem, UT: $47.00 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Orem, UT runs $47.00 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $97,754 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Orem's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.1, 2% below national), each hour of work buys what $47.91 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $58,650 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Orem, Utah, the occupational therapist hourly pay is projected to be $47.00 in 2026, slightly below the national hourly median of $49.71. This rate presents a solid earning opportunity for part-time professionals, such as those working three days a week, who can earn a substantial income while maintaining flexibility. For those in per-diem roles, the hourly rate can vary significantly, enabling them to choose shifts based on their availability. The entry-level hourly rate in Orem starts at approximately $34.84, while seasoned professionals can command up to $63.79. Positions typically found in hospital rehab units, skilled nursing facilities, school therapy rooms, and various outpatient settings reflect the wide range of compensation available for occupational therapists based in the Orem area.
About the Orem 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) | $34.84 | $278.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.25 | $313.96 |
| Median (P50) | $47.00 | $375.96 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56.04 | $448.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63.79 | $510.35 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Orem
Based on $47.00/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.00/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Orem, UT can expect to earn approximately $97,750 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $56,394. With a cost-of-living index of 98.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Orem.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Orem
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,879.81 | $8,146 | $97,750 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,127.89 | $4,888 | $58,650 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $751.93 | $3,258 | $39,100 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Orem) | $47.00 |
| 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 Orem, UT earn a median of $97,754 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.46% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 1.40% below the Utah state average of $99,142.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.00/hr = $58,650/year (purchasing power: $59,786).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $97,750/year (purchasing power: $99,644).
CoL index: 98.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$38.61/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$45.60/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.00/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Orem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38.61/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $39.21/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.89/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $42.35/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $43.80/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.88/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $45.60/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.00/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48.43/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Orem grew 18.1% from $38.61/hr (2019) to $45.60/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $48.43/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 Orem 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 Orem
Focusing on part-time work, an occupational therapist in Orem, working 24 hours weekly, could expect to take home around $54,000 annually, a notable contrast to full-time professionals earning an average of $97,754. For those seeking per-diem or locum tenens opportunities, the potential to bill rates between $50-$75 per hour does exist; CHT credentialed hand therapists can earn upwards of $80-$110 in cash-pay environments, and travel OT roles could bring in $1,800-$2,800 weekly. Variation in hourly rates across different employer types in Orem is also significant, with institutions like skilled nursing facilities and outpatient clinics generally providing competitive compensation. However, occupational therapists must weigh the benefits of stable employment—such as health insurance offerings—against the potential for higher earnings in more flexible roles. When negotiating hourly rates, it’s wise to emphasize your qualifications, including advanced certifications like the CHT, and consider asking about other benefits that may not be immediately reflected in hourly wage offers.
More salary data for Orem, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Orem in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Orem?
Are occupational therapists in Orem paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Orem?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Orem?
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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 Orem. 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 Orem 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