Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Albany, GA: $32.96 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Albany, GA runs $32.96 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $68,563 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Albany's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.1, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $35.40 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,135 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Albany, GA, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay is projected to be $32.96 in 2026, which falls below the national median of $35.74. This rate indicates the potential earning power for both full-time and part-time professionals working in diverse settings such as skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and home health care environments. For part-time occupational therapy assistants, working three days a week typically equates to around 24 hours, translating to weekly pay just under $800. Those entering the field can expect hourly wages starting around $22.32, while experienced professionals may earn up to $39.68, reflecting the wider salary range from entry-level to top earners in this line of work.
About the Albany Market
Salary estimated from Georgia average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.32 | $178.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.99 | $231.94 |
| Median (P50) | $32.96 | $263.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.59 | $284.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.68 | $317.48 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Albany
Based on $32.96/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.96/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Albany, GA can expect to earn approximately $68,559 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,553. With a cost-of-living index of 93.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Albany.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Albany
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,318.44 | $5,713 | $68,559 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $791.06 | $3,428 | $41,135 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $527.37 | $2,285 | $27,423 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Albany) | $32.96 |
| 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 Albany, GA earn a median of $68,563 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.76% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 0.90% below the Georgia state average of $69,186.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.96/hr = $41,135/year (purchasing power: $44,184).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $68,559/year (purchasing power: $73,640).
CoL index: 93.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$27.28/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.06/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.96/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Albany (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.28/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.91/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.37/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.49/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.71/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.27/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.06/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.96/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.89/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Albany grew 17.5% from $27.28/hr (2019) to $32.06/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.89/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 Albany 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 Albany
Considering part-time options, an occupational therapy assistant in Albany working 24 hours a week could bring home approximately $49,000 annually, significantly less than what a full-time employee might earn. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Albany varies, with rates between $30 and $45 per hour, which may lead to higher annual earnings for those willing to work flexible schedules. In recent years, COTAs working in skilled nursing facilities have faced pay compression due to the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut implemented in 2022, influencing how employers assign rates. Different employer types also impact hourly wages: school districts may offer lower rates but provide benefits like health insurance, while outpatient clinics often pursue higher pay for per diem work. Negotiating effectively, particularly regarding benefits versus hourly pay, is crucial for COTAs in Albany looking to maximize their income potential.
More salary data for Albany, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Albany in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Albany?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Albany paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Albany?
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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 Albany. 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 Albany 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