Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Evans, GA: $32.27 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Evans, GA runs $32.27 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $67,124 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Evans's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.1, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.66 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,276 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Evans, Georgia, the projected median hourly pay for occupational therapy assistants (COTAs) stands at $32.27 for 2026. This figure is somewhat below the national average of $35.74, which can influence how professionals approach part-time opportunities or per-diem work. For COTAs looking to work part-time—say three days a week, totaling 24 hours—this hourly rate allows for a comfortable income but may be less than what might be earned elsewhere. Entry-level COTAs can expect to earn around $25.00 per hour, while more experienced professionals in the top 10% can earn as much as $37.72 per hour. These estimates, derived from annual salary data, provide a snapshot of working conditions in various settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, and outpatient clinics.
About the Evans 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) | $25.00 | $200.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.80 | $230.38 |
| Median (P50) | $32.27 | $258.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.24 | $273.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.72 | $301.77 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Evans
Based on $32.27/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.27/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Evans, GA can expect to earn approximately $67,126 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,726. With a cost-of-living index of 93.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Evans.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Evans
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,290.88 | $5,594 | $67,126 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $774.53 | $3,356 | $40,276 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $516.35 | $2,238 | $26,850 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Evans) | $32.27 |
| 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 Evans, GA earn a median of $67,124 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.70% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 3.00% below the Georgia state average of $69,200.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.27/hr = $40,276/year (purchasing power: $43,261).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $67,126/year (purchasing power: $72,101).
CoL index: 93.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.71/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.39/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.27/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Evans (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.71/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.33/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.80/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.89/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.09/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.65/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.39/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.27/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.18/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Evans grew 17.5% from $26.71/hr (2019) to $31.39/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.18/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 Evans 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 Evans
Part-time occupational therapy assistants in Evans may take home a lower annual income compared to their full-time counterparts, significantly affecting their lifestyle choices and financial planning. For instance, working 24 hours a week at the median hourly rate translates to approximately $50,000 annually. This can be appealing for individuals seeking flexibility or those balancing life commitments. On the other hand, per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Evans generally falls within the range of $30 to $45 per hour, depending on the work environment. While agency positions or traveling contracts can yield weekly compensation of $1,100 to $1,700, many professionals face challenges, such as the impacts of the 15% Medicare cut on reimbursement rates in skilled nursing facilities. Moreover, pay rates can vary widely by sector; settings like outpatient clinics and home health agencies might offer different rates compared to schools and hospitals. When negotiating hourly pay, COTAs should consider both salary and benefits, weighing the trade-offs of lower hourly rates that come with health insurance against higher pay without benefits for flexibility in their roles.
More salary data for Evans, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Evans in 2026?
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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 Evans. 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 Evans 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