Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Houma, LA: $37.48 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Houma, LA runs $37.48 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $77,981 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Houma's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.1, 15% below national), each hour of work buys what $44.05 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,781 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Houma, Louisiana, the hourly pay for an occupational therapy assistant is projected to be $37.48 in 2026, which notably exceeds the national average of $35.74 for similar roles. This strong hourly rate reflects the unique economic landscape of Houma and makes it appealing for both part-time professionals, such as those working three days a week, and per-diem workers who often operate in diverse settings like outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and schools. For entry-level positions, pay starts around $29.91, while top earners in this field can command up to $46.12 per hour, demonstrating the potential for salary growth based on experience and specialization. This data is based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, signaling promising career prospects for aspiring occupational therapy assistants in Houma.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29.91 | $239.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.51 | $244.11 |
| Median (P50) | $37.48 | $299.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.48 | $299.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.12 | $368.96 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Houma
Based on $37.48/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.48/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Houma, LA can expect to earn approximately $77,968 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,981. With a cost-of-living index of 85.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Houma.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Houma
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,499.38 | $6,497 | $77,968 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $899.63 | $3,898 | $46,781 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $599.75 | $2,599 | $31,187 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Houma) | $37.48 |
| 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 Houma, LA earn a median of $77,981 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.91% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 15.20% above the Louisiana state average of $67,692.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.48/hr = $46,781/year (purchasing power: $54,969).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $77,968/year (purchasing power: $91,616).
CoL index: 85.103 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$31.02/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.46/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.48/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Houma (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.02/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.74/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.13/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.92/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.12/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.96/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.46/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.48/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.54/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Houma grew 17.5% from $31.02/hr (2019) to $36.46/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.54/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 Houma 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 Houma
Examining the earning potential reveals distinct differences between part-time and full-time occupational therapy assistants. A professional working 24 hours per week can take home about $46,866 annually, which is significantly lower than a full-time salary but still offers a viable income. On the per-diem front, pay rates generally range from $30 to $45 per hour, depending on the facility and demand. Travel contracts can offer higher compensation, with weekly earnings ranging from $1,100 to $1,700 for more flexible roles in various settings. While skilled nursing facilities may offer more stability, school districts and home health agencies often provide different benefits like health insurance, which could influence wage negotiations. COTAs may choose positions offering lower hourly rates but essential health coverage over higher pay and no benefits. For those negotiating hourly pay in Houma, emphasizing experience and any specialized skills may lead to better offers in an evolving job market.
More salary data for Houma, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Houma in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Houma?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Houma paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Houma?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Houma?
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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 Houma. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 4-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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