Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Juneau, AK: $37.48 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Juneau, AK runs $37.48 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $77,965 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Juneau's regional price level (BEA RPP 106.1, 6% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.33 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,781 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay in Juneau, Alaska, is projected to be $37.48, which is notably higher than the national median hourly rate of $35.74. This favorable rate makes COTAs in Juneau well-positioned compared to their counterparts across the country. For those working part-time—approximately three days a week—this hourly rate translates into a comfortable income, enabling flexibility for personal commitments while still earning a respectable wage. Entry-level assistants may start at around $26.01 per hour, while experienced professionals can command rates as high as $43.88, particularly in settings like skilled nursing facilities or outpatient clinics. Given that these hourly figures are derived from annual salary data, they represent a compelling opportunity for both new and seasoned occupational therapy assistants in the region.
About the Juneau Market
Salary estimated from Alaska average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $26.01 | $208.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.49 | $267.88 |
| Median (P50) | $37.48 | $299.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.81 | $318.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.88 | $351.03 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Juneau
Based on $37.48/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.48/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Juneau, AK can expect to earn approximately $77,968 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,981. With a cost-of-living index of 106.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Juneau.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Juneau
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,499.38 | $6,497 | $77,968 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $899.63 | $3,898 | $46,781 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $599.75 | $2,599 | $31,187 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Juneau) | $37.48 |
| 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 Juneau, AK earn a median of $77,965 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.89% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 1.10% below the Alaska state average of $78,832.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.48/hr = $46,781/year (purchasing power: $44,091).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $77,968/year (purchasing power: $73,485).
CoL index: 106.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$31.02/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.46/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.48/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Juneau (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.02/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.74/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.13/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.40/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.79/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.31/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.46/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.48/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.54/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Juneau grew 17.5% from $31.02/hr (2019) to $36.46/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.54/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 Juneau 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 Juneau
Transitioning to a part-time schedule, a COTA working 24 hours over three days a week could potentially earn a significant annual income, though full-time positions naturally yield higher total returns. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Juneau typically fluctuates between $30 and $45 per hour, reflecting the variability of agency contracts and temporary assignments. With travel COTA contracts often reaching $1,100 to $1,700 weekly, professionals can choose between flexible working hours and more consistent positions that offer health benefits, which sometimes come with lower hourly rates. Different types of employers, such as schools, hospitals, or early intervention programs, can substantially influence pay rates. Some COTAs may accept slightly reduced hourly wages in exchange for comprehensive health benefits, while others seek higher compensation without these perks. For those negotiating hourly pay, understanding the going rate in Juneau and knowing the specifics of what each employer offers can provide leverage in discussions about compensation.
More salary data for Juneau, AK:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Juneau in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Juneau?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Juneau paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Juneau?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Juneau?
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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 Juneau. 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 Juneau 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