Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Boise, ID: $35.30 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Boise, ID runs $35.30 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $73,427 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Boise's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.3, 5% below national), each hour of work buys what $37.05 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $44,061 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Boise, Idaho, the field of occupational therapy assistants is projected to pay a median hourly rate of $35.30 in 2026, which is slightly below the national median hourly pay of $35.74. This competitive wage is attractive for both part-time and per-diem positions across various environments such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, and school therapy rooms. For occupational therapy assistants entering the industry, the hourly pay can start at around $23.03, progressing to $45.02 for more experienced professionals. These numbers are indicative of a broader trend, where entry-level positions often serve in busy environments like outpatient clinics or home health visits, providing vital care while building necessary experience.
About the Boise Market
Salary estimated from Idaho average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.03 | $184.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.47 | $227.74 |
| Median (P50) | $35.30 | $282.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.25 | $314.02 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.02 | $360.16 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Boise
Based on $35.30/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.30/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Boise, ID can expect to earn approximately $73,434 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,366. With a cost-of-living index of 95.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Boise.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Boise
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,412.20 | $6,120 | $73,434 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $847.32 | $3,672 | $44,061 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $564.88 | $2,448 | $29,374 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Boise) | $35.30 |
| 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, ID earn a median of $73,427 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.22% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 3.70% above the Idaho state average of $70,807.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.30/hr = $44,061/year (purchasing power: $46,234).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $73,434/year (purchasing power: $77,056).
CoL index: 95.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$29.22/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.34/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.30/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Boise (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.22/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.89/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.32/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.52/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.83/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.39/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.34/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.30/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.30/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Boise grew 17.5% from $29.22/hr (2019) to $34.34/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.30/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 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
For those considering part-time work as an occupational therapy assistant, taking a 3-day workweek schedule, which typically amounts to about 24 hours, would yield a substantial annual income compared to full-time counterparts, though benefits may vary significantly. Per diem opportunities often range from $30 to $45 per hour, appealing to individuals seeking flexibility. However, some agencies have seen shifts in compensation due to recent changes in reimbursement structures, particularly after the 15% Medicare Part B cut affecting OTA services. Hourly rates can vary depending on the type of employer; for instance, skilled nursing facilities might offer less than private outpatient clinics that provide higher compensation but fewer benefits. As such, negotiating pay often requires weighing immediate financial compensation against long-term benefits, particularly for those choosing between hourly roles with and without healthcare coverage.
More salary data for Boise, ID:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Boise in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Boise?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Boise paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Boise?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Boise?
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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. 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 Boise 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