Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Jeffersontown, KY: $30.30 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Jeffersontown, KY runs $30.30 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,014 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Jeffersontown's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.3, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.93 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,812 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Jeffersontown, Kentucky, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay is projected at $30.30 for 2026, which is notably lower than the national median of $35.74. This disparity reflects the area's cost of living, which stands at 89.3 on the index scale. For part-time workers, often employed three days a week, this hourly rate translates into a weekly income of approximately $484 before deductions, making it viable for those seeking flexible schedules or considering per-diem roles. In Jeffersontown, hourly earnings range from around $22.51 for entry-level positions to as much as $37.02 for experienced practitioners, with various work settings—including skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and home health services—affecting pay rates. These figures, derived from annual salary estimates, emphasize the earning potential for occupational therapy assistants across different facilities.
About the Jeffersontown 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) | $22.51 | $180.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.25 | $209.98 |
| Median (P50) | $30.30 | $242.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.19 | $265.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.02 | $296.18 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Jeffersontown
Based on $30.30/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.30/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Jeffersontown, KY can expect to earn approximately $63,020 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,358. With a cost-of-living index of 89.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Jeffersontown.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Jeffersontown
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,211.92 | $5,252 | $63,020 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $727.15 | $3,151 | $37,812 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $484.77 | $2,101 | $25,208 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Jeffersontown) | $30.30 |
| 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 Jeffersontown, KY earn a median of $63,014 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.23% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 5.10% below the Kentucky state average of $66,401.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.30/hr = $37,812/year (purchasing power: $42,343).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,020/year (purchasing power: $70,571).
CoL index: 89.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.07/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.47/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.30/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Jeffersontown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.07/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.65/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.16/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.19/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.31/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.90/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.47/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.30/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.15/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Jeffersontown grew 17.5% from $25.07/hr (2019) to $29.47/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.15/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 Jeffersontown 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 Jeffersontown
For those contemplating part-time work as an occupational therapy assistant in Jeffersontown, the financial outlook looks promising—especially when considering a 24-hour workweek, which would yield an annual income of about $37,000, substantially less than a full-time counterpart. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Jeffersontown varies, with agencies commonly billing between $30 and $45, depending on factors like location and patient demand. Travel COTAs can expect contracts that earn between $1,100 and $1,700 per week, but the decline in premiums following the 15% Medicare reduction in reimbursement for OTA services poses challenges in skilled nursing facilities. Different employers offer varied rates; for instance, school district contracts typically compensate differently compared to hospital settings, where the demand may fluctuate seasonally. Those considering negotiation strategies should weigh the trade-offs between higher hourly rates without benefits versus stable pay with health insurance, especially as they chart paths toward advanced credentials like the COTA-to-MOT bridge.
More salary data for Jeffersontown, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Jeffersontown in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Jeffersontown?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Jeffersontown paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Jeffersontown?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Jeffersontown?
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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 Jeffersontown. 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 Jeffersontown 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