Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Ashland, KY: $30.38 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Ashland, KY runs $30.38 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,198 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Ashland's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.3, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.02 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,915 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Ashland, Kentucky, the projected occupational therapy assistant hourly pay in 2026 stands at $30.38, which is notably lower than the national median of $35.74. This discrepancy reflects local market conditions and may impact part-time and per-diem professionals who often fill shifts in facilities such as skilled nursing homes, outpatient clinics, or schools. The hourly earnings for this profession can vary widely, with entry-level COTAs earning around $22.33 and more experienced practitioners reaching up to $35.10. Given the context of jobs in Ashland, these hourly figures are derived from data on annual salaries, rooted in demand for COTAs, making the profession accessible for both part-time workers and those seeking supplementary income through per-diem opportunities.
About the Ashland Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.33 | $178.64 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.11 | $208.91 |
| Median (P50) | $30.38 | $243.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.16 | $257.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.10 | $280.79 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ashland
Based on $30.38/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.38/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ashland, KY can expect to earn approximately $63,191 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,456. With a cost-of-living index of 89.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Ashland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ashland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,215.21 | $5,266 | $63,191 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $729.13 | $3,160 | $37,915 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $486.09 | $2,106 | $25,276 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Ashland) | $30.38 |
| 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 Ashland, KY earn a median of $63,198 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.98% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 4.80% below the Kentucky state average of $66,385.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.38/hr = $37,915/year (purchasing power: $42,458).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,191/year (purchasing power: $70,763).
CoL index: 89.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.14/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.55/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.38/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Ashland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.14/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.72/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.23/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.26/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.39/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.96/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.55/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.38/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.23/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Ashland grew 17.5% from $25.14/hr (2019) to $29.55/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.23/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 Ashland 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 Ashland
For occupational therapy assistants working part-time in Ashland, a typical three-day workweek, totaling around 24 hours, can yield annual earnings significantly below their full-time counterparts. This translates to an estimated annual take-home that reflects lower overall income unless supplemented by additional shifts or per-diem contracts. In terms of agency or locum tenens work, per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Ashland might range between $30 and $45 per hour, allowing for flexibility and potential higher earnings, especially for travel contracts that can offer weekly earnings between $1,100 and $1,700. However, with the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut impacting pay rates particularly in skilled nursing facilities and outpatient settings, many COTAs must weigh the financial benefits of higher hourly rates without health insurance against more stable positions with benefits that can afford income security. Negotiation in this environment can benefit from a deep understanding of employer expectations and a clear assessment of personal financial needs, essential for a thriving career in occupational therapy within Ashland, KY.
More salary data for Ashland, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Ashland in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Ashland?
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Career Resources
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 Ashland. 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 Ashland 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