Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Boise City, ID: $32.89 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Boise City, ID runs $32.89 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $68,420 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Boise City's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.4, 2% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.43 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,045 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Boise City, Idaho, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay is projected to reach $32.89 in 2026 according to estimates based on 2025 BLS data. This hourly wage falls below the national hourly median of $35.74, highlighting a regional variance that potential COTAs should consider. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this rate translates into a consistent source of income while still allowing flexibility in scheduling. Per-diem workers, however, might encounter varying pay levels that range from entry-level figures at approximately $31.09 to top earners making around $37.51 per hour. Given Boise City's unique employment settings, including skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, outpatient clinics, and school districts, these hourly rates offer insight into the economic landscape for occupational therapy assistants in the area.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31.09 | $248.72 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.42 | $251.35 |
| Median (P50) | $32.89 | $263.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.79 | $294.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.51 | $300.04 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Boise City
Based on $32.89/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.89/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Boise City, ID can expect to earn approximately $68,409 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,467. With a cost-of-living index of 98.39 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Boise City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Boise City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,315.56 | $5,701 | $68,409 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $789.33 | $3,420 | $41,045 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $526.22 | $2,280 | $27,364 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Boise City) | $32.89 |
| 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 Boise City, ID earn a median of $68,420 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.95% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 3.40% below the Idaho state average of $70,828.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.89/hr = $41,045/year (purchasing power: $41,717).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $68,409/year (purchasing power: $69,528).
CoL index: 98.391 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.89/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.99/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.89/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Boise City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.89/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.59/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.90/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.43/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $16.11/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.75/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.99/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.89/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.81/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Boise City grew 19.0% from $26.89/hr (2019) to $31.99/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.81/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 Boise City 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 Boise City
Exploring the earning potential of a part-time occupational therapy assistant in Boise City reveals intricate financial dynamics. A COTA working 24 hours a week at the median hourly rate brings home about $40,470 annually, significantly less than their full-time counterparts who earn closer to $68,420. Many COTAs choose per-diem roles, where billing rates can vary from $30 to $45 per hour depending on employer types like skilled nursing facilities or outpatient clinics. Those considering agency contracts might find weekly pay ranging from $1,100 to $1,700, yet they must remain aware that post-2022 reimbursement cuts have affected some payment structures. While skilled nursing facilities might offer lower hourly rates, they often provide benefits and job stability that attract certain COTAs. As you weigh your options, understanding the trade-offs of hourly pay versus benefits can be key. Negotiating your rate effectively with employers in Boise City requires knowledge of current market rates and an understanding of the impact that different employer types have on pay scales.
More salary data for Boise City, ID:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Boise City in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Boise City?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Boise City paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Boise City?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Boise City?
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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 Boise City. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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