Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Huntington, WV: $49.02 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Huntington, WV runs $49.02 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $101,957 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Huntington's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.4, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $55.43 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $61,171 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Occupational therapists in Huntington, WV, can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $49.02 in 2026, which positions them slightly below the national median of $49.71. This pay is significant for both full-time and part-time therapists, particularly those working in varied settings such as hospital rehabilitation units or outpatient clinics. For part-time professionals working approximately three days a week, this hourly rate translates into a viable income, while per-diem workers, who often have flexible schedules and varied pay rates, can find themselves in the range of $31.16 to $63.63. The diversity in hourly earnings illustrates the potential for career advancement and specialization, with top earners in the field, particularly those with specialized skills like Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) certification, positioned for increased financial rewards in Huntington's occupational therapy market.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31.16 | $249.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.03 | $304.23 |
| Median (P50) | $49.02 | $392.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54.16 | $433.26 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63.63 | $509.03 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Huntington
Based on $49.02/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.02/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Huntington, WV can expect to earn approximately $101,952 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,818. With a cost-of-living index of 88.42 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Huntington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Huntington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,960.61 | $8,496 | $101,952 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,176.37 | $5,098 | $61,171 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $784.25 | $3,398 | $40,781 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Huntington) | $49.02 |
| 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 Huntington, WV earn a median of $101,957 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.40% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 4.90% above the West Virginia state average of $97,195.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.02/hr = $61,171/year (purchasing power: $69,181).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $101,952/year (purchasing power: $115,302).
CoL index: 88.422 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$37.13/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.56/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.02/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Huntington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37.13/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $39.27/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $44.70/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $42.37/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $45.14/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $46.54/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.56/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.02/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.52/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Huntington grew 28.1% from $37.13/hr (2019) to $47.56/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.52/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 Huntington 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 Huntington
The earning potential for part-time occupational therapists working 24 hours a week in Huntington could look quite favorable, allowing for manageable work-life balance while still offering a comfortable income. It's worth considering that per diem occupational therapists can command significantly higher hourly rates; for example, those billing between $50 to $75 hourly for flexible shifts can compare favorably against standard rates. In addition, CHT-certified practitioners may see hourly rates soaring to $80 to $110, particularly within cash-pay practices. Employment settings also significantly influence hourly pay. Generally, rates can vary considerably; skilled nursing facilities and outpatient hand therapy clinics may offer different compensation packages than school districts or early intervention programs. Many occupational therapists must balance the desire for higher hourly pay against the security of employee benefits, leading some to opt for positions with lower rates. Negotiating is essential; it’s advisable for therapists to know the market rates and leverage their experience level when seeking higher compensation in Huntington.
More salary data for Huntington, WV:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Huntington in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Huntington?
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How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Huntington?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Huntington?
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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 Huntington. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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