Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Idaho Falls, ID: $34.46 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Idaho Falls, ID runs $34.46 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $71,675 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Idaho Falls's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.3, 5% below national), each hour of work buys what $36.16 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $43,008 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Idaho Falls, the hourly compensation for an occupational therapy assistant (COTA) stands at $34.46, which is slightly below the national median of $35.74. This pay rate is quite relevant for professionals working part-time or on a per-diem basis. For instance, a COTA working three days a week may find themselves earning a decent income while enjoying flexibility, often operating in various settings like skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, or home health visits. The hourly pay ranges from entry-level positions at about $24.50 (P10) to experienced professionals earning as much as $43.04 (P90), indicating significant room for advancement and specialization within this vital healthcare profession.
About the Idaho Falls 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) | $24.50 | $196.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.13 | $233.01 |
| Median (P50) | $34.46 | $275.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.03 | $304.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.04 | $344.29 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Idaho Falls
Based on $34.46/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.46/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Idaho Falls, ID can expect to earn approximately $71,681 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,354. With a cost-of-living index of 95.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Idaho Falls.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Idaho Falls
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,378.48 | $5,973 | $71,681 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $827.09 | $3,584 | $43,008 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $551.39 | $2,389 | $28,672 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Idaho Falls) | $34.46 |
| 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 Idaho Falls, ID earn a median of $71,675 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.57% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 1.20% above the Idaho state average of $70,825.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.46/hr = $43,008/year (purchasing power: $45,130).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $71,681/year (purchasing power: $75,216).
CoL index: 95.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$28.52/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.52/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.46/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Idaho Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.52/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.18/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.62/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.79/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.07/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.67/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.52/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.46/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.43/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Idaho Falls grew 17.5% from $28.52/hr (2019) to $33.52/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.43/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 Idaho Falls 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 Idaho Falls
When considering part-time work, an occupational therapy assistant in Idaho Falls can earn substantially less annually compared to a full-time role. For example, a COTA working a 3-day week (24 hours) may take home approximately $43,863 annually, while a full-time position typically generates a higher income. Per-diem professionals also have unique earning opportunities; they commonly bill between $30 and $45 per hour, with travel contracts bringing in $1,100 to $1,700 per week depending on the demand. This variability emphasizes the importance of understanding employer types, as hourly rates can differ across skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, schools, and outpatient clinics. While some COTAs might accept lower hourly wages for the benefits of health insurance, others may prioritize a higher hourly rate without additional benefits. Negotiating for competitive overtime pay or exploring agency positions can enhance earnings, particularly as the industry faces pressures from reimbursement cuts that affect pay in certain settings like outpatient clinics and SNFs. The 2.81% growth rate in the field presents ongoing opportunities for COTAs as they pursue licensure and certifications that can elevate their standing.
More salary data for Idaho Falls, ID:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Idaho Falls in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Idaho Falls?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Idaho Falls paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Idaho Falls?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Idaho Falls?
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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 Idaho Falls. 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 Idaho Falls 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