Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Dunwoody, GA: $32.24 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Dunwoody, GA runs $32.24 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $67,056 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Dunwoody's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.1, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.63 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,237 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in Dunwoody, Georgia, can expect an hourly median pay of $32.24 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national average of $35.74. For part-time workers putting in roughly three days per week, this hourly rate allows for substantial flexibility, making it possible to earn a livable income while balancing other life commitments. Per-diem workers in this field also have attractive options; they can look for roles in various settings such as skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and home health visits. With an hourly range spanning from $23.27 for entry-level positions to $39.52 for more experienced professionals, the financial prospects in Dunwoody provide a diverse landscape for both new and seasoned occupational therapy assistants.
About the Dunwoody 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) | $23.27 | $186.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.80 | $214.42 |
| Median (P50) | $32.24 | $257.93 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.13 | $281.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.52 | $316.16 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Dunwoody
Based on $32.24/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.24/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Dunwoody, GA can expect to earn approximately $67,062 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,689. With a cost-of-living index of 93.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Dunwoody.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Dunwoody
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,289.65 | $5,588 | $67,062 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $773.79 | $3,353 | $40,237 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $515.86 | $2,235 | $26,825 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Dunwoody) | $32.24 |
| 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 Dunwoody, GA earn a median of $67,056 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.79% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 3.10% below the Georgia state average of $69,201.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.24/hr = $40,237/year (purchasing power: $43,219).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $67,062/year (purchasing power: $72,032).
CoL index: 93.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.68/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.36/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.24/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Dunwoody (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.68/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.30/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.78/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.87/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.07/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.62/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.36/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.24/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.15/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Dunwoody grew 17.5% from $26.68/hr (2019) to $31.36/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.15/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 Dunwoody 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 Dunwoody
Analyzing the earning potential for a part-time occupational therapy assistant working 24 hours a week, they can anticipate an annual income of approximately $40,201, substantially less than those committing to full-time roles. In terms of per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Dunwoody, billing rates around $30 to $45 per hour are common, although COTAs in travel contracts can earn considerably more. However, compensation varies significantly across employer types—skilled nursing facilities, hospital inpatient rehabs, and school districts may offer differing pay structures. Furthermore, OTAs must weigh the benefits of higher hourly rates with agencies against potentially lower rates that include health insurance and other perks. For those negotiating, emphasizing specialized skills or certifications can be advantageous in securing a more favorable hourly rate.
More salary data for Dunwoody, 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 Dunwoody. 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 Dunwoody 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