Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Northport, AL: $30.68 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Northport, AL runs $30.68 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,801 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Northport's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.9, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.90 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,287 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Northport, Alabama, occupational therapy assistants earn a median hourly rate of $30.68, which falls short of the national average of $35.74 per hour. This pay rate can be particularly significant for those working part-time or on a per-diem basis within skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, or during home health visits. For entry-level positions, hourly rates commence from around $21.71, with experienced practitioners earning up to $36.25 per hour. It’s essential to understand that these hourly rates are derived from annual salary data and reflect the economic conditions specific to Northport, where the cost of living index is below the national average.
About the Northport 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) | $21.71 | $173.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.75 | $206.03 |
| Median (P50) | $30.68 | $245.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.79 | $262.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.25 | $290.01 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Northport
Based on $30.68/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.68/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Northport, AL can expect to earn approximately $63,811 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,814. With a cost-of-living index of 87.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Northport.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Northport
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,227.14 | $5,318 | $63,811 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $736.28 | $3,191 | $38,287 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $490.86 | $2,127 | $25,525 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Northport) | $30.68 |
| 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 Northport, AL earn a median of $63,801 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.17% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 2.40% below the Alabama state average of $65,370.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.68/hr = $38,287/year (purchasing power: $43,557).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,811/year (purchasing power: $72,595).
CoL index: 87.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.39/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.84/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.68/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Northport (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.39/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.98/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.48/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.52/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.66/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.93/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.84/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.68/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.54/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Northport grew 17.5% from $25.39/hr (2019) to $29.84/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.54/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 Northport 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 Northport
For a part-time occupational therapy assistant working three days a week, accumulating around 24 hours can yield an annual income significantly lower than that of full-time counterparts. With hourly earnings at $30.68, a part-time COTA may take home approximately $38,000 annually, compared to full-time professionals who would earn around $63,801. Per diem and agency occupational therapy assistants typically see variable compensation, billing between $30 and $45 per hour, with travel contracts bringing in weekly earnings ranging from $1,100 to $1,700. Hourly rates often fluctuate based on the type of employment, with skilled nursing facilities and outpatient clinics generally offering competitive pay; however, some COTAs accept lower rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance. Practical salary negotiation tips emphasize understanding local pay rates and the potential value of benefits, allowing for strategic discussions tailored to specific employment settings in Northport, AL.
More salary data for Northport, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Northport in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Northport?
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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 Northport. 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 Northport 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