Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Sandy, UT: $48.25 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Sandy, UT runs $48.25 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $100,370 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Sandy's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.1, 2% below national), each hour of work buys what $49.19 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,219 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapists in Sandy, UT, earn a median hourly rate of $48.25, which is slightly below the national median of $49.71. This compensation level presents a decent opportunity for those considering part-time or per-diem work within various settings such as hospital rehab units, skilled nursing facilities, school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, or even home health visits. For part-time therapists working three days a week, the hourly rate can provide substantial earnings even with a reduced schedule. The hourly range for this profession extends from approximately $34.42 for entry-level positions to $63.73 for those at the top end of their field, showcasing the potential for growth and increased earning capacity as skills and experience develop. It’s essential to keep in mind that these figures are derived from annual salary estimates, reformulated to hourly rates for clarity.
About the Sandy 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) | $34.42 | $275.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.32 | $314.54 |
| Median (P50) | $48.25 | $386.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56.60 | $452.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63.73 | $509.86 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sandy
Based on $48.25/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.25/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sandy, UT can expect to earn approximately $100,366 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $57,903. With a cost-of-living index of 98.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Sandy.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sandy
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,930.11 | $8,364 | $100,366 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,158.06 | $5,018 | $60,219 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $772.04 | $3,346 | $40,146 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Sandy) | $48.25 |
| 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 Sandy, UT earn a median of $100,370 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.93% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 1.20% above the Utah state average of $99,180.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.25/hr = $60,219/year (purchasing power: $61,386).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $100,366/year (purchasing power: $102,309).
CoL index: 98.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$39.64/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.82/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.25/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Sandy (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.64/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.26/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $39.93/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $43.48/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.97/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.15/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.82/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.25/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.73/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Sandy grew 18.1% from $39.64/hr (2019) to $46.82/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.73/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 Sandy 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 Sandy
For occupational therapists opting for part-time work, the annual earnings can significantly vary compared to full-time positions. For instance, working 24 hours per week at the median hourly rate over a year could yield a total of around $60,000, versus what a full-time therapist earns at around $100,370. Additionally, the per diem occupational therapist pay in Sandy typically ranges from $50 to $75 per hour, with specialty hand therapists earning even higher in cash-pay practices, potentially reaching between $80 and $110 per hour. Hourly pay can vary notably depending on the employment setting, as skilled nursing facilities and hospitals may offer different rates compared to school district contracts or home health agencies. Many opt to accept lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits such as health insurance, which can significantly influence the overall compensation package. Occupational therapists in Sandy looking to maximize their potential should consider negotiating pay based on their specific qualifications, including any specialties like Certified Hand Therapy (CHT) or working with underserved populations.
More salary data for Sandy, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Sandy in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Sandy?
Are occupational therapists in Sandy paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Sandy?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Sandy?
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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 Sandy. 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 Sandy 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