Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Tucker, GA: $31.61 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Tucker, GA runs $31.61 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,749 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Tucker's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.1, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.96 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,454 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tucker, Georgia, the projected hourly rate for an occupational therapy assistant stands at $31.61, notably lower than the national median of $35.74. This difference in pay reflects local demand and cost of living variations. For those considering part-time or per-diem positions in settings like skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, or even home health environments, this hourly rate translates into feasible earnings. Entry-level occupational therapy assistants may earn around $23.56 per hour, while experienced practitioners can command as much as $37.56 per hour, thus providing a wide spectrum of compensation based on skill and experience. The rates discussed here are derived from annual salary data, indicating that part-time positions can serve as a suitable option for balancing work with other life commitments in the Tucker area.
About the Tucker 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) | $23.56 | $188.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.41 | $219.27 |
| Median (P50) | $31.61 | $252.91 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.00 | $271.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.56 | $300.45 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tucker
Based on $31.61/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.61/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tucker, GA can expect to earn approximately $65,757 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,937. With a cost-of-living index of 93.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Tucker.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tucker
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,264.56 | $5,480 | $65,757 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $758.74 | $3,288 | $39,454 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $505.83 | $2,192 | $26,303 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Tucker) | $31.61 |
| 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 Tucker, GA earn a median of $65,749 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.55% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 5.00% below the Georgia state average of $69,210.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.61/hr = $39,454/year (purchasing power: $42,378).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,757/year (purchasing power: $70,631).
CoL index: 93.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.16/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.75/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.61/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Tucker (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.16/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.77/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.25/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.33/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.50/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.07/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.75/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.61/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.50/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Tucker grew 17.5% from $26.16/hr (2019) to $30.75/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.50/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 Tucker 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 Tucker
Earnings for occupational therapy assistants working part-time, such as three days a week, can provide a steady income without the commitment of full-time roles. For instance, a typical 24-hour workweek at the hourly pay rates seen in Tucker results in a gross annual income significantly lower than their full-time counterparts, impacting lifestyle and financial planning. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Tucker ranges from $30 to $45 per hour, offering a flexible but variable source of income. Meanwhile, travel COTA contracts across the country can yield between $1,100 and $1,700 weekly; however, the decreased reimbursement rates following the 15% Medicare cut in 2022 have compressed premiums for agency positions. In Tucker, hourly rates can vary across different types of employers, from skilled nursing facilities to outpatient clinics and early intervention programs. Many assistants find themselves weighing the trade-offs between lower hourly pay with benefits such as health insurance and higher rates in settings without comprehensive benefits. Understanding the local job market and developing negotiation strategies, including emphasizing unique skills or experience, can significantly impact an occupational therapy assistant's earning potential in Tucker.
More salary data for Tucker, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Tucker in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Tucker?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Tucker paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Tucker?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Tucker?
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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 Tucker. 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 Tucker 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