Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in McDonough, GA: $32.07 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in McDonough, GA runs $32.07 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $66,699 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against McDonough's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.1, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.44 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,019 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In McDonough, Georgia, occupational therapy assistants can expect a median hourly rate of $32.07, which is notably lower than the national median of $35.74. This variation in pay can significantly impact those looking for part-time opportunities, such as working three days a week in diverse settings like outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and school therapy rooms. For per-diem occupational therapy assistants, they frequently charge between $30 and $45 hourly, allowing for flexibility in work schedules while catering to diverse patient needs. The hourly pay range in McDonough spans from $24.65 for entry-level positions to $38.99 for top earners, reflecting the diverse demand within the field.
About the McDonough 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) | $24.65 | $197.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.37 | $226.92 |
| Median (P50) | $32.07 | $256.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.82 | $270.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.99 | $311.88 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in McDonough
Based on $32.07/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.07/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in McDonough, GA can expect to earn approximately $66,698 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,480. With a cost-of-living index of 93.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in McDonough.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in McDonough
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,282.66 | $5,558 | $66,698 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $769.59 | $3,335 | $40,019 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $513.06 | $2,223 | $26,679 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (McDonough) | $32.07 |
| 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 McDonough, GA earn a median of $66,699 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.27% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 3.60% below the Georgia state average of $69,190.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.07/hr = $40,019/year (purchasing power: $42,985).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $66,698/year (purchasing power: $71,641).
CoL index: 93.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.54/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.19/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.07/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in McDonough (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.54/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.15/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.63/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.72/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.91/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.47/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.19/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.07/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.97/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in McDonough grew 17.5% from $26.54/hr (2019) to $31.19/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.97/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 McDonough 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 McDonough
Exploring the financial landscape, a part-time occupational therapy assistant in McDonough working 24 hours per week takes home a considerably reduced annual income compared to their full-time counterparts. Additionally, with the ongoing effects of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut for OTA services, many therapists are experiencing tighter budgets. For per diem and agency roles, travel contracts often promise $1,100 to $1,700 per week, but some may find that these opportunities can be inconsistent, particularly in skilled nursing facilities where premium pay has diminished post-reimbursement changes. Employment settings also play a critical role in determining the hourly rate; COTAs in hospital rehab might earn more than those in school systems or early intervention programs. This has led many assistants to balance hourly pay with benefits, opting for positions that offer robust insurance even if the pay per hour is lower. Negotiating for a higher rate or exploring additional qualifications through COTA-to-MOT bridge pathways can help enhance earning potential in this evolving profession.
More salary data for McDonough, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in McDonough in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in McDonough?
Are occupational therapy assistants in McDonough paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in McDonough?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in McDonough?
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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 McDonough. 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 McDonough 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