Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Post Falls, ID: $32.73 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Post Falls, ID runs $32.73 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $68,089 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Post Falls's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.3, 5% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.35 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,853 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Post Falls, Idaho, the projected hourly pay for occupational therapy assistants stands at $32.73 for 2026, which is notably lower than the national median of $35.74. For professionals working part-time, such as those employed three days a week, this translates to approximately $1,052.00 per week, or around $4,344.00 monthly, which can be beneficial for individuals balancing other commitments. Per-diem occupational therapy assistants, who work on an as-needed basis, may find their pay ranging between $30 to $45 per hour, depending on demand and facility type. The hourly wage covers a range from $25.01 for entry-level positions to $39.71 for experienced professionals in various settings, such as skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, schools, and outpatient clinics. These figures provide a solid foundation for understanding the earning potential of occupational therapy assistants in Post Falls, ID.
About the Post 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) | $25.01 | $200.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.85 | $230.79 |
| Median (P50) | $32.73 | $261.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.38 | $275.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.71 | $317.64 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Post Falls
Based on $32.73/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.73/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Post Falls, ID can expect to earn approximately $68,088 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,282. With a cost-of-living index of 95.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Post Falls.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Post Falls
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,309.39 | $5,674 | $68,088 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $785.63 | $3,404 | $40,853 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $523.76 | $2,270 | $27,235 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Post Falls) | $32.73 |
| 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 Post Falls, ID earn a median of $68,089 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.40% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 3.90% below the Idaho state average of $70,852.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.73/hr = $40,853/year (purchasing power: $42,868).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $68,088/year (purchasing power: $71,446).
CoL index: 95.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$27.09/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.84/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.73/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Post Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.09/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.72/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.19/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.29/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.51/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.19/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.84/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.73/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.65/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Post Falls grew 17.5% from $27.09/hr (2019) to $31.84/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.65/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 Post 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 Post Falls
The earning potential for those choosing part-time work as an occupational therapy assistant can be substantial, particularly when considering annual earnings versus full-time salaries. For instance, a part-time COTA working 24 hours a week could take home approximately $67,286 annually, creating a balance between work and personal life. In contrast, full-time COTAs earn a higher maximum but sacrifice leisure time. Additionally, per diem roles present another avenue for income, as these contractors can earn between $1,100 to $1,700 weekly on travel contracts. However, the competitive market means that hourly rates in Post Falls may fluctuate significantly based on the employer, with skilled nursing facilities often offering lower pay due to tighter Medicare reimbursements, especially following the 15% cut implemented in 2022. While some occupational therapy assistants opt for higher hourly wages without benefits, others prioritize employment that includes health insurance, a key consideration in an often uncertain field. Negotiating pay rates can provide leverage; it’s beneficial to have a clear understanding of what different facilities offer and how that relates to the broader market trends—something that can help an occupational therapy assistant effectively navigate their career choices in the coming years.
More salary data for Post Falls, ID:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Post Falls in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Post Falls?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Post Falls paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Post Falls?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Post Falls?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Idaho
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 Post 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 Post 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