Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Augusta, GA: $33.51 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Augusta, GA runs $33.51 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $69,685 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Augusta's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.9, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $36.46 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,815 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Augusta, Georgia, the hourly pay for an occupational therapy assistant stands at a median rate of $33.51. This figure is slightly below the national median of $35.74, which may reflect regional factors influencing local healthcare markets. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this wage can provide a competitive income in various settings, including skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, and outpatient clinics. New entrants in the field can expect to earn around $23.38 per hour, while experienced professionals may achieve rates as high as $40.40. The official estimates sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics demonstrate the potential financial rewards available to occupational therapy assistants in Augusta.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.38 | $187.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.98 | $223.88 |
| Median (P50) | $33.51 | $268.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.85 | $294.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.40 | $323.23 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Augusta
Based on $33.51/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.51/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Augusta, GA can expect to earn approximately $69,692 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,207. With a cost-of-living index of 91.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Augusta.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Augusta
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,340.23 | $5,808 | $69,692 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $804.14 | $3,485 | $41,815 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $536.09 | $2,323 | $27,877 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Augusta) | $33.51 |
| 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 Augusta, GA earn a median of $69,685 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.25% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 0.70% above the Georgia state average of $69,200.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.51/hr = $41,815/year (purchasing power: $45,499).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $69,692/year (purchasing power: $75,832).
CoL index: 91.903 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$27.48/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.59/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.51/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Augusta (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.48/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.57/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.22/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.29/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.52/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.62/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.59/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.51/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.45/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Augusta grew 18.6% from $27.48/hr (2019) to $32.59/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.45/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 Augusta 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 Augusta
Occupational therapy assistants working part-time in Augusta could take home approximately $52,000 annually, based on a 24-hour workweek across the year, significantly supplementing their income when combined with other opportunities. For per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Augusta, COTAs typically charge between $30 and $45 per hour, with travel contracts offering rates that may range from $1,100 to $1,700 per week. However, the ongoing 15% Medicare cut that impacted OTA services has led to some variability in earnings across different employer types, such as skilled nursing facilities and outpatient agencies. Many COTAs find themselves negotiating a balance between hourly rates and benefits, with some preferring higher pay without health insurance, while others may opt for lower rates in exchange for comprehensive benefits. For occupational therapy assistants in Augusta, understanding the local job market and being prepared to negotiate effectively can lead to better financial outcomes in this evolving profession.
More salary data for Augusta, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Augusta. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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