Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Daphne, AL: $30.72 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Daphne, AL runs $30.72 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,897 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Daphne's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.9, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.95 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,338 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Daphne, Alabama, the expected hourly pay for occupational therapy assistants is projected at $30.72 for 2026, which is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $35.74. This figure provides valuable insight for part-time or per-diem COTAs, who often work in settings such as skilled nursing facilities or outpatient clinics. With entry-level workers earning about $21.82, and experienced professionals potentially making up to $38.29 per hour, there is a significant range depending on experience and specific job responsibilities. This hourly rate suggests that those working three days a week could see an income reflective of their commitment to the field, making it a viable option for individuals balancing multiple roles or pursuing education alongside work.
About the Daphne Market
Salary estimated from Alabama average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.82 | $174.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.85 | $206.77 |
| Median (P50) | $30.72 | $245.76 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.23 | $257.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.29 | $306.29 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Daphne
Based on $30.72/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.72/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Daphne, AL can expect to earn approximately $63,897 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,864. With a cost-of-living index of 87.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Daphne.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Daphne
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,228.79 | $5,325 | $63,897 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $737.27 | $3,195 | $38,338 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $491.51 | $2,130 | $25,559 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Daphne) | $30.72 |
| Occupational Therapist (National Avg) | $47.00 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Athletic Trainer (National Avg) | $27.85 |
| Recreational Therapist (National Avg) | $27.50 |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Daphne, AL earn a median of $63,897 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.04% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 2.20% below the Alabama state average of $65,335.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.72/hr = $38,338/year (purchasing power: $43,616).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,897/year (purchasing power: $72,693).
CoL index: 87.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.42/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.88/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.72/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Daphne (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.42/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.01/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.51/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.55/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.69/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.97/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.88/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.72/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.58/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Daphne grew 17.5% from $25.42/hr (2019) to $29.88/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.58/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem occupational therapy assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Daphne 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 2.81% 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 Therapy Assistant in Daphne
While the hourly rate offers a clear view of potential earnings, the financial realities for occupational therapy assistants extend deeper. A COTA working part-time, say 24 hours a week, would expect their annual take-home pay to be considerably lower compared to full-time practitioners. Per diem positions can vary widely, with rates typically ranging from $30 to $45, and contracts for travel COTAs yielding substantial weekly earnings between $1,100 and $1,700. The evolving reimbursement landscape, especially after the Medicare Part B cut in 2022, has pushed some COTAs in Daphne to accept lower pay for roles that provide crucial benefits, particularly in skilled nursing facilities. It is vital for professionals in this field to navigate negotiations effectively. Understanding employer pay structures across different settings—such as schools versus outpatient clinics—can open doors to improved pay and safer working conditions.
More salary data for Daphne, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Daphne in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Daphne?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Daphne paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Daphne?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Daphne?
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Written by Jordan Lee, MS, OTR/L
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as an occupational therapist. Their specialty is working with children with developmental disorders. They have worked in various healthcare settings including schools and rehabilitation facilities.
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 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for occupational therapy assistants in Daphne. 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 Daphne 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 2.81%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for occupational therapy assistants (SOC 31-2011).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, MS, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapy assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov