Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Smyrna, GA: $32.20 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Smyrna, GA runs $32.20 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $66,984 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Smyrna's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.1, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.59 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,186 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Smyrna, Georgia, the projected occupational therapy assistant hourly pay for 2026 stands at $32.20, which is below the national average of $35.74. This figure provides an essential reference point for those considering various work schedules, including part-time and per-diem roles. For example, a part-time occupational therapy assistant working three days per week might earn a substantial income while maintaining a flexible schedule. The hourly compensation ranges from $23.19 at the entry level to $39.34 for the top earners. As these rates are derived from annual salary data, they reflect the earnings potential in diverse therapeutic settings, including skilled nursing facilities, outpatient therapy clinics, school environments, and home health visits.
About the Smyrna 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) | $23.19 | $185.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.44 | $219.52 |
| Median (P50) | $32.20 | $257.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.11 | $280.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.34 | $314.68 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Smyrna
Based on $32.20/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.20/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Smyrna, GA can expect to earn approximately $66,976 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,640. With a cost-of-living index of 93.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Smyrna.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Smyrna
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,288.00 | $5,581 | $66,976 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $772.80 | $3,349 | $40,186 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $515.20 | $2,233 | $26,790 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Smyrna) | $32.20 |
| 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 Smyrna, GA earn a median of $66,984 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.89% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 3.20% below the Georgia state average of $69,198.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.20/hr = $40,186/year (purchasing power: $43,164).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $66,976/year (purchasing power: $71,940).
CoL index: 93.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.65/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.32/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.20/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Smyrna (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.65/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.27/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.74/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.83/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.03/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.59/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.32/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.20/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.10/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Smyrna grew 17.5% from $26.65/hr (2019) to $31.32/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.10/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 Smyrna 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 Smyrna
Regarding part-time opportunities, an occupational therapy assistant working a 24-hour week can expect to take home a competitive annual income, although it will be markedly less than full-time peers. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Smyrna can fluctuate, with many billing between $30 to $45 an hour, while travel contracts often range from $1,100 to $1,700 weekly. However, following the 15% reimbursement cut for OTA-provided services in 2022, there has been a noticeable decline in agency positions at skilled nursing facilities, which could affect earning potential. Rates can vary considerably depending on the employer type, such as inpatient rehab hospitals or school districts, with some assistant positions offering lower wages in exchange for comprehensive benefits. When negotiating hourly rates, it can be advantageous for COTAs to consider the overall package rather than simply the pay, especially in a competitive job market where compensation can include health benefits alongside salary.
More salary data for Smyrna, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Smyrna in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Smyrna?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Smyrna paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Smyrna?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Smyrna?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Georgia
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 Smyrna. 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 Smyrna 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