Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Montgomery, AL: $32.36 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Montgomery, AL runs $32.36 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $67,322 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Montgomery's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.9, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $36.82 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,391 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Montgomery, Alabama, an occupational therapy assistant can expect an hourly median pay of $32.36, which falls short of the national median of $35.74. This hourly rate allows for a comfortable income for those working part-time—perhaps three days a week—while also providing accessibility for per-diem positions in various clinical settings such as skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and school therapy rooms. Estimates range from $20.85 for entry-level positions to $40.98 for those at the top echelons of their field, a span that highlights the diverse earning potential available to occupational therapy assistants across the area.
About the Montgomery 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) | $20.85 | $166.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.77 | $222.15 |
| Median (P50) | $32.36 | $258.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.74 | $285.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.98 | $327.84 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Montgomery
Based on $32.36/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.36/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Montgomery, AL can expect to earn approximately $67,318 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,838. With a cost-of-living index of 87.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Montgomery.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Montgomery
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,294.58 | $5,610 | $67,318 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $776.75 | $3,366 | $40,391 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $517.83 | $2,244 | $26,927 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Montgomery) | $32.36 |
| 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 Montgomery, AL earn a median of $67,322 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.43% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 3.00% above the Alabama state average of $65,361.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.36/hr = $40,391/year (purchasing power: $45,951).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $67,318/year (purchasing power: $76,585).
CoL index: 87.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.78/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.48/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.36/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Montgomery (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.78/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.40/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.88/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.97/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.18/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.25/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.48/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.36/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.27/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Montgomery grew 17.5% from $26.78/hr (2019) to $31.48/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.27/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 Montgomery 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 Montgomery
For an occupational therapy assistant working part-time in Montgomery, those clocking in 24 hours a week could anticipate a total annual take-home of around $40,000, a stark contrast to their full-time counterparts who can exceed $67,322 annually. The per diem and agency options, with rates typically between $30 and $45 per hour, offer flexibility but may come with less job security. Contract work for travel COTAs can be lucrative as well, with weekly earnings ranging from $1,100 to $1,700. However, hourly pay can be affected by the employer type; skilled nursing facilities and outpatient clinics have significantly lower paying structures following the 15% Medicare cut implemented post-2022. Some assistants may find themselves weighing the benefits of employment, such as health insurance, against pursuing higher hourly rates in less stable environments. For those negotiating pay, it’s advisable to have a clear understanding of the prevailing rates and be willing to discuss compensation based on both experience and the unique demands of different roles in Montgomery.
More salary data for Montgomery, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Montgomery in 2026?
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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 Montgomery. 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 Montgomery 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