Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Athens, GA: $34.26 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Athens, GA runs $34.26 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $71,250 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Athens's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.1, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $36.80 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,752 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Athens, Georgia, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay is projected to be $34.26 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $35.74. For part-time or per-diem workers—who may find themselves in various settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, or outpatient clinics—this hourly rate translates into a respectable income, especially for those working three days a week. The hourly pay range for occupational therapy assistants in the area spans from $23.74 at the entry level to $43.46 for experienced professionals. These figures reflect estimated hourly earnings derived from annual salary data, showcasing a viable earning potential across a spectrum of care environments, including home health visits and school therapy sessions, where flexibility is often a key concern for workers.
About the Athens 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) | $23.74 | $189.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.56 | $228.48 |
| Median (P50) | $34.26 | $274.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.07 | $304.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.46 | $347.66 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Athens
Based on $34.26/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.26/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Athens, GA can expect to earn approximately $71,253 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,108. With a cost-of-living index of 93.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Athens.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Athens
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,370.25 | $5,938 | $71,253 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $822.15 | $3,563 | $42,752 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $548.10 | $2,375 | $28,501 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Athens) | $34.26 |
| 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 Athens, GA earn a median of $71,250 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.15% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 3.00% above the Georgia state average of $69,175.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.26/hr = $42,752/year (purchasing power: $45,920).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $71,253/year (purchasing power: $76,534).
CoL index: 93.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$28.35/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.32/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.26/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Athens (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.35/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.01/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.45/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.61/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.88/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.42/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.32/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.26/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.22/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Athens grew 17.5% from $28.35/hr (2019) to $33.32/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.22/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 Athens 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 Athens
Part-time occupational therapy assistants in Athens working a 24-hour week can expect to take home approximately $39,744 annually, compared to the full-time equivalent, which would yield a significantly higher income. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Athens tends to range from $30 to $45 per hour, which offers flexibility but may come with the trade-off of limited benefits. For those considering agency or travel positions, contracts can be lucrative, offering between $1,100 and $1,700 weekly, although anticipated changes in reimbursement may affect these options. The hourly rates can differ based on employer type; skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehab typically provide steady income, while school districts may offer more competitive pay for off-season work. Occupational therapy assistants may negotiate wages effectively, especially for roles that come with health benefits, allowing them to balance take-home pay with overall compensation packages.
More salary data for Athens, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Athens in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Athens?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Athens paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Athens?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Athens?
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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 Athens. 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 Athens 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