Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Wasilla, AK: $35.05 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Wasilla, AK runs $35.05 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $72,909 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Wasilla's regional price level (BEA RPP 106.1, 6% above national), each hour of work buys what $33.03 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $43,740 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the hourly median pay for an occupational therapy assistant in Wasilla, Alaska, stands at $35.05, slightly below the national median of $35.74. This hourly figure is significant for those opting for part-time or per-diem positions, as many COTAs may work in settings such as skilled nursing facilities, rehabilitation units, outpatient clinics, school systems, and even home health visits. For part-timers averaging three days a week, this hourly rate translates to an appealing paycheck that can accommodate flexible schedules. Entry-level positions may start at $27.16 hourly, while top earners can reach up to $40.60, showcasing the potential for increased earnings as one gains experience and expertise in the field.
About the Wasilla 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) | $27.16 | $217.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.27 | $242.14 |
| Median (P50) | $35.05 | $280.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.25 | $297.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.60 | $324.80 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wasilla
Based on $35.05/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.05/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wasilla, AK can expect to earn approximately $72,900 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,058. With a cost-of-living index of 106.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Wasilla.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wasilla
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,401.92 | $6,075 | $72,900 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $841.15 | $3,645 | $43,740 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $560.77 | $2,430 | $29,160 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Wasilla) | $35.05 |
| 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 Wasilla, AK earn a median of $72,909 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.91% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 7.60% below the Alaska state average of $78,906.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.05/hr = $43,740/year (purchasing power: $41,225).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $72,900/year (purchasing power: $68,708).
CoL index: 106.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.00/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.09/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.05/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Wasilla (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.00/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.68/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.11/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.29/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.60/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.95/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.09/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.05/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.03/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Wasilla grew 17.5% from $29.00/hr (2019) to $34.09/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.03/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 Wasilla 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 Wasilla
Exploring the practical aspects of earning as an occupational therapy assistant in Wasilla reveals intriguing insights, particularly for those considering part-time roles. A COTA working three days per week, roughly totaling 24 hours, could take home around $43,476 annually, considerably less than a full-time counterpart but still a viable income. Meanwhile, per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Wasilla often falls between $30 and $45 per hour, offering flexibility but varying stability in income. With travel contracts providing higher weekly pay between $1,100 and $1,700, the landscape shifts based on setting and employment type. Different employers such as hospitals, schools, and outpatient clinics can offer diverse hourly rates influenced by their unique operational costs and work demands. Many COTAs may choose lower hourly options for the added benefit of comprehensive health insurance, while others prefer higher pay without such benefits. For those negotiating hourly pay in Wasilla, understanding the industry standards and staying informed about reimbursement rates, especially post-2022 cuts, can be beneficial in securing favorable terms.
More salary data for Wasilla, AK:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Wasilla in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Wasilla?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Wasilla paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Wasilla?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Wasilla?
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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 Wasilla. 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 Wasilla 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