Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Alpharetta, GA: $33.61 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Alpharetta, GA runs $33.61 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $69,906 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Alpharetta's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.1, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $36.10 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,944 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Alpharetta, Georgia, occupational therapy assistants can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $33.61. This figure is slightly below the national median of $35.74, indicating a regional variance in pay that professionals in this field should consider. The hourly wage allows for flexible work schedules attractive for part-time employees, allowing those who opt for a three-day workweek to earn a competitive income while balancing other commitments. The hourly pay range stretches from $23.77 for entry-level positions to $40.56 for the most experienced practitioners, making this profession accessible for new entrants as well as a viable option for seasoned COTAs seeking higher earnings. Given the diverse work settings—including skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and rehabilitation units—these hourly rates are derived from comprehensive annual salary data that reflects the potential earnings of occupational therapy assistants in the area.
About the Alpharetta 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) | $23.77 | $190.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.33 | $226.68 |
| Median (P50) | $33.61 | $268.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.31 | $290.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.56 | $324.47 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Alpharetta
Based on $33.61/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.61/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Alpharetta, GA can expect to earn approximately $69,906 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,330. With a cost-of-living index of 93.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Alpharetta.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Alpharetta
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,344.34 | $5,825 | $69,906 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $806.61 | $3,495 | $41,944 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $537.74 | $2,330 | $27,962 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Alpharetta) | $33.61 |
| 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 Alpharetta, GA earn a median of $69,906 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.95% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 1.00% above the Georgia state average of $69,214.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.61/hr = $41,944/year (purchasing power: $45,052).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $69,906/year (purchasing power: $75,087).
CoL index: 93.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$27.81/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.69/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.61/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Alpharetta (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.81/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.46/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.91/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.05/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.30/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.84/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.69/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.61/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.55/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Alpharetta grew 17.5% from $27.81/hr (2019) to $32.69/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.55/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 Alpharetta 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 Alpharetta
Examining the financial landscape of a part-time occupational therapy assistant in Alpharetta can yield some insight into annual take-home pay. For those working 24 hours a week at the median hourly pay, the annual earnings would be approximately $52,000, significantly lower than full-time professionals, who can expect to earn closer to $70,000 a year. Additionally, per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Alpharetta typically ranges from $30 to $45 per hour, reflecting the variability in contract work, which can be enticing for those prioritizing flexibility over stability. Employers in various settings—like school districts and home health agencies—may offer differing pay scales due to the benefits or lack thereof. Some occupational therapy assistants might choose positions with lower pay but comprehensive health insurance, while others may seek higher hourly wages without benefits. Understanding these dynamics can help inform negotiations regarding pay and contract terms, particularly for COTAs looking to maximize their income within the evolving healthcare landscape impacted by changes such as the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut.
More salary data for Alpharetta, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Alpharetta in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Alpharetta?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Alpharetta paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Alpharetta?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Alpharetta?
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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 Alpharetta. 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 Alpharetta 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