Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Valdosta, GA: $32.84 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Valdosta, GA runs $32.84 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $68,300 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Valdosta's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.1, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $35.27 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,981 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the hourly rate for an occupational therapy assistant in Valdosta, GA, is projected to be $32.84. Compared to the national hourly median of $35.74, this represents a slight variance, highlighting the unique economic environment of this southern city. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this means earning approximately $26,000 annually, which can be an informative benchmark for individuals considering a career in this field or those looking for per-diem opportunities. In settings like skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and during home health visits, hourly earnings can range significantly, from around $24.65 at entry-level positions to upwards of $41.37 for the most experienced providers. It's essential for potential applicants to understand that these numbers, while rooted in projected annual salary data, give practical insight into what they may expect to make per hour.
About the Valdosta 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) | $28.74 | $229.88 |
| Median (P50) | $32.84 | $262.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.55 | $292.39 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.37 | $330.97 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Valdosta
Based on $32.84/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.84/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Valdosta, GA can expect to earn approximately $68,302 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,405. With a cost-of-living index of 93.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Valdosta.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Valdosta
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,313.50 | $5,692 | $68,302 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $788.10 | $3,415 | $40,981 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $525.40 | $2,277 | $27,321 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Valdosta) | $32.84 |
| 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 Valdosta, GA earn a median of $68,300 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.11% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 1.30% below the Georgia state average of $69,199.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.84/hr = $40,981/year (purchasing power: $44,018).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $68,302/year (purchasing power: $73,364).
CoL index: 93.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$27.17/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.94/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.84/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Valdosta (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.17/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.81/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.27/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.38/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.60/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.16/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.94/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.84/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.76/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Valdosta grew 17.5% from $27.17/hr (2019) to $31.94/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.76/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 Valdosta 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 Valdosta
Earning potential varies drastically based on the nature of employment. An occupational therapy assistant working part-time at 24 hours per week may find themselves making a dependable but modest income, contrasting sharply with full-time colleagues who could earn significantly more throughout the year. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Valdosta ranges from $30 to $45 per hour, providing a flexible option for those seeking non-traditional hours. However, this flexibility comes with its own set of challenges, such as inconsistent income and fewer benefits, especially since some skilled nursing facilities have seen pay declines post-2022 due to the 15% Medicare cut. In Valdosta, compensation also shifts dramatically across various employer types; school district contracts might offer lower rates than outpatient clinics, which may prioritize higher wages to attract skilled COTAs. Understanding compensation in relation to benefits is crucial; many accept lower hourly pay rates for the stability of health insurance, while others prioritize higher hourly pay for greater take-home earnings without supplemental benefits. This dynamic represents a critical aspect for negotiating wages as COTAs gain experience and seek the right balance between satisfaction and compensation in their careers.
More salary data for Valdosta, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Valdosta in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Valdosta?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Valdosta paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Valdosta?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Valdosta?
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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 Valdosta. 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 Valdosta 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