Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Richmond, KY: $31.42 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Richmond, KY runs $31.42 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,357 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Richmond's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.3, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $35.18 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,211 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Richmond, Kentucky, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay is projected to be $31.42 in 2026, which falls below the national median of $35.74. For part-time workers, such as those logging 24 hours per week, this translates to a stable income suitable for supporting flexible job settings like skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, and outpatient clinics. The hourly wage spans from $22.55 for entry-level positions to $36.54 for top earners, offering a range that can accommodate varying experience levels and specializations. This compensation enables COTAs to find meaningful work that aligns with their professional goals while also having the opportunity to take on per-diem roles, where the flexibility of scheduling can be appealing for those seeking additional work or special projects in home health or educational environments.
About the Richmond 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) | $22.55 | $180.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.70 | $213.60 |
| Median (P50) | $31.42 | $251.35 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.90 | $271.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.54 | $292.31 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Richmond
Based on $31.42/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.42/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Richmond, KY can expect to earn approximately $65,351 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,702. With a cost-of-living index of 89.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Richmond.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Richmond
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,256.75 | $5,446 | $65,351 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $754.05 | $3,268 | $39,211 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $502.70 | $2,178 | $26,140 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Richmond) | $31.42 |
| 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 Richmond, KY earn a median of $65,357 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.07% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 1.50% below the Kentucky state average of $66,353.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.42/hr = $39,211/year (purchasing power: $43,909).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,351/year (purchasing power: $73,181).
CoL index: 89.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.00/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.56/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.42/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Richmond (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.00/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.60/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.09/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.16/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.32/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.90/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.56/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.42/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.30/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Richmond grew 17.5% from $26.00/hr (2019) to $30.56/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.30/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 Richmond 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 Richmond
Considering the nuances of part-time and per-diem work, a 3-day workweek for an occupational therapy assistant results in a take-home salary that is substantially lower than a full-time position. While part-time COTAs can expect a steady income, per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Richmond generally ranges from $30 to $45 per hour. However, travel contracts can bring in weekly revenues of $1,100 to $1,700, though the aftermath of the 15% Medicare cut for OTA services has impacted pay scales, particularly in skilled nursing facilities. Rates differ significantly across various employers, with outpatient clinics and home health agencies potentially offering more competitive compensation than school district contracts. While some prefer lower hourly wages for the added benefits of health insurance, others in Richmond may negotiate for higher pay without the same level of benefits. Understanding these dynamics is critical for occupational therapy assistants seeking to maximize their earning potential in the evolving job market.
More salary data for Richmond, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Richmond in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Richmond?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Richmond paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Richmond?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Richmond?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
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 Richmond. 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 Richmond 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