Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Pelham, AL: $29.05 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Pelham, AL runs $29.05 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,422 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Pelham's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.9, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.05 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,260 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pelham, Alabama, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay is projected to be $29.05 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $35.74. This means that for part-time workers, who may only work three days a week, earning approximately $1,043 weekly could translate to about $54,236 annually. In practice settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, schools, outpatient clinics, and home health visits, COTAs can expect an hourly range that varies from $22.56 for entry-level positions to $33.68 for those at the top end of the scale. The wide salary range reflects differences in experience and specific workplace environments, making the occupational therapy assistant hourly rate in AL an important consideration for both potential hires and employers.
About the Pelham 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) | $22.56 | $180.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.74 | $205.95 |
| Median (P50) | $29.05 | $232.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.90 | $247.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $33.68 | $269.44 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pelham
Based on $29.05/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.05/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pelham, AL can expect to earn approximately $60,433 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,865. With a cost-of-living index of 87.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Pelham.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pelham
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,162.16 | $5,036 | $60,433 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $697.30 | $3,022 | $36,260 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $464.87 | $2,014 | $24,173 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Pelham) | $29.05 |
| 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 Pelham, AL earn a median of $60,422 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.71% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 7.50% below the Alabama state average of $65,322.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.05/hr = $36,260/year (purchasing power: $41,251).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,433/year (purchasing power: $68,751).
CoL index: 87.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.04/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.26/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.05/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Pelham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.04/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.60/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.13/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.11/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.19/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.67/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.26/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.05/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.87/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Pelham grew 17.5% from $24.04/hr (2019) to $28.26/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.87/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 Pelham 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 Pelham
For those considering part-time employment as an occupational therapy assistant in Pelham, it becomes essential to analyze how their earnings stack up against full-time counterparts. With an hourly rate of $29.05, a part-time occupational therapy assistant working 24 hours a week would gross around $36,488 annually, which is significantly lower than those in full-time roles. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Pelham typically ranges from $30 to $45 per hour, attractive for those seeking flexibility. However, it’s crucial to note that some agency positions may pay less, especially following the 15% cut in Medicare reimbursements in 2022, affecting skilled nursing facilities and outpatient settings. Hourly rates also differ widely among employer types; while schools may offer stability and benefits, outpatient clinics often provide higher per hour wages with fewer perks. Therefore, negotiating based on the desired benefits versus pay is vital for those entering the workforce or transitioning to new roles within Pelham's health care centers.
More salary data for Pelham, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Pelham in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Pelham?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Pelham paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Pelham?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Pelham?
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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 Pelham. 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 Pelham 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