Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in New Iberia, LA: $30.83 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in New Iberia, LA runs $30.83 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,133 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against New Iberia's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.3, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.14 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,479 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In New Iberia, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay stands at a median of $30.83, significantly lower than the national median of $35.74. For part-time and per-diem workers, this translates to varying income potential depending on their work environment. In typical settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and during home health visits, practitioners can expect to earn within a range of $22.83 for entry-level positions up to $36.54 for experienced tops earners. This hourly rate is derived from the annual salary estimates, positioning it as a substantial option for those looking to work flexible schedules while still benefiting from the fulfillment that comes with assisting individuals in need of therapy services.
About the New Iberia Market
Salary estimated from Louisiana average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.83 | $182.67 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.63 | $213.02 |
| Median (P50) | $30.83 | $246.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.68 | $269.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.54 | $292.31 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in New Iberia
Based on $30.83/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.83/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in New Iberia, LA can expect to earn approximately $64,132 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,999. With a cost-of-living index of 90.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in New Iberia.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in New Iberia
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,233.31 | $5,344 | $64,132 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $739.99 | $3,207 | $38,479 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $493.32 | $2,138 | $25,653 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (New Iberia) | $30.83 |
| 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 New Iberia, LA earn a median of $64,133 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.72% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 5.30% below the Louisiana state average of $67,722.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.83/hr = $38,479/year (purchasing power: $42,613).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,132/year (purchasing power: $71,021).
CoL index: 90.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.51/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.99/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.83/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in New Iberia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.51/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.11/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.61/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.65/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.80/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.50/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.99/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.83/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.70/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in New Iberia grew 17.5% from $25.51/hr (2019) to $29.99/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.70/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 New Iberia 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 New Iberia
Assessing earning opportunities shows that a part-time occupational therapy assistant working three days a week, or roughly 24 hours total, can earn a substantial income, although it will be lower than that of full-time counterparts. Per-diem occupational therapy assistant pay in New Iberia can range dramatically from $30 to $45 per hour, making it crucial for COTAs to negotiate effectively, especially in light of Medicare’s reimbursement cuts implemented in 2022 that have affected pay rates in skilled nursing facilities. Different employers in New Iberia, such as outpatient clinics, schools, or home health agencies, may offer varied compensation that reflects the services they provide and the demands of the job. Some COTAs may accept lower hourly wages for positions offering health insurance benefits, preferring stability over higher hourly pay that doesn't include benefits. Practical negotiation tips include understanding market rates and being open about benefit preferences, ensuring COTAs can secure compensation that reflects their skills and contributions effectively.
More salary data for New Iberia, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in New Iberia in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in New Iberia?
Are occupational therapy assistants in New Iberia paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in New Iberia?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in New Iberia?
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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 New Iberia. 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 New Iberia 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