Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Anchorage, AK: $24.24 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Anchorage, AK runs $24.24 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,428 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Anchorage's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.4, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.00 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,255 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay in Anchorage, AK, is projected to be $24.24, notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $35.74. This disparity can be significant for professionals considering part-time or per-diem opportunities in various settings, such as skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and home health environments. For those working three days a week, the reduced hourly pay impacts overall earnings, especially when contrasted with full-time positions. The hourly range for occupational therapy assistants in Anchorage extends from $16.86 at the 10th percentile to $47.41 at the 90th percentile, illustrating a broad spectrum of potential earnings based on experience and employer type. This data, sourced from 2025 BLS OEWS projections, highlights the financial landscape for occupational therapy assistants in Alaskan settings.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.86 | $134.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.62 | $148.95 |
| Median (P50) | $24.24 | $193.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.02 | $336.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.41 | $379.25 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Anchorage
Based on $24.24/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.24/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Anchorage, AK can expect to earn approximately $50,425 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,091. With a cost-of-living index of 105.42 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Anchorage.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Anchorage
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $969.70 | $4,202 | $50,425 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $581.82 | $2,521 | $30,255 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $387.88 | $1,681 | $20,170 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Anchorage) | $24.24 |
| 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 Anchorage, AK earn a median of $50,428 per year (2026 est.), which is 32.16% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 36.10% below the Alaska state average of $78,918.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.24/hr = $30,255/year (purchasing power: $28,699).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,425/year (purchasing power: $47,832).
CoL index: 105.42 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.06/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.58/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.24/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Anchorage (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.06/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.53/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.13/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.41/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.85/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.72/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.58/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.24/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.92/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Anchorage grew 17.5% from $20.06/hr (2019) to $23.58/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.92/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 Anchorage 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 Anchorage
Earning potential for part-time occupational therapy assistants in Anchorage working 24 hours a week can yield an annual income considerably lower than full-time counterparts. While full-time COTAs may earn around $50,428 annually, part-timers see their earnings drop markedly. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Anchorage ranges typically from $30 to $45 per hour, which brings a more lucrative option for flexibility, though agency positions can vary widely depending on short-term contracts. Many employers, including skilled nursing facilities and hospitals, may offer varying hourly rates that can affect benefits: some COTAs find themselves accepting lower pay for jobs that include health insurance, while others opt for higher hourly wages without benefits. With the backdrop of a 2.81% projected growth rate and the recent Medicare cut affecting the field, negotiating for a better rate often hinges on demonstrating competency and leveraging experience in the local market landscape.
More salary data for Anchorage, AK:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Anchorage in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Anchorage?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Anchorage paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Anchorage?
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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 Anchorage. 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, 4-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