Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Mobile, AL: $30.77 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Mobile, AL runs $30.77 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,999 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Mobile's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.1, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.93 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,402 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Mobile, Alabama, the anticipated occupational therapy assistant hourly pay is set at $30.77 for 2026, which falls below the national hourly median of $35.74. This figure reflects the earnings landscape for part-time and per-diem COTAs, who typically work in settings like skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, and outpatient clinics. For part-time professionals committing to three days a week, the earning potential can be significant, especially considering the entry-level rate starts at approximately $26.05, while the upper echelon of earners can make around $40.92 per hour. Such official Bureau of Labor Statistics data indicates a growing demand for occupational therapy assistants in Mobile, particularly as occupational therapy practices evolve and adapt to changing healthcare environments.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $26.05 | $208.42 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.02 | $232.19 |
| Median (P50) | $30.77 | $246.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.51 | $292.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.92 | $327.35 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Mobile
Based on $30.77/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.77/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Mobile, AL can expect to earn approximately $64,004 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,925. With a cost-of-living index of 88.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Mobile.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Mobile
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,230.84 | $5,334 | $64,004 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $738.50 | $3,200 | $38,402 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $492.34 | $2,133 | $25,601 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Mobile) | $30.77 |
| 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 Mobile, AL earn a median of $63,999 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.90% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 2.00% below the Alabama state average of $65,305.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.77/hr = $38,402/year (purchasing power: $43,590).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,004/year (purchasing power: $72,651).
CoL index: 88.098 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.46/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.93/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.77/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Mobile (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.46/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.06/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.55/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.60/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.74/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.33/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.93/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.77/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.64/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Mobile grew 17.5% from $25.46/hr (2019) to $29.93/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.64/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 Mobile 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 Mobile
Analyzing the earning potential for occupational therapy assistants reveals a varied landscape in Mobile. A COTA working part-time for 24 hours a week would take home significantly less annually compared to their full-time counterparts, showcasing a differential that must be considered in employment decisions. Those pursuing per-diem opportunities may see rates between $30 and $45 per hour. For example, travel COTA contracts could yield between $1,100 and $1,700 per week, which provides a substantial avenue for increased pay, although recent reimbursement cuts have somewhat curtailed premium pay from skilled nursing facilities. Hourly wages can differ based on the employer type; staff at school districts might secure slightly lower rates while benefiting from better job security and health insurance. COTAs in Mobile looking to negotiate their hourly rate should consider the benefits of job security against potential higher wages offered by agencies, knowing that flexibility may come at the expense of steady income.
More salary data for Mobile, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Mobile in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Mobile?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Mobile paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Mobile?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Mobile?
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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 Mobile. 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, 2-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 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