Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Auburn Hills, MI: $32.52 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Auburn Hills, MI runs $32.52 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $67,643 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Auburn Hills's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.89 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,583 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Auburn Hills, Michigan, professional occupational therapy assistants earn a median hourly pay of $32.52, which falls below the national median of $35.74. This hourly rate significantly impacts those in part-time roles, such as those working three days a week or in per-diem positions, where flexibility and varied work settings—like skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, school therapy rooms, and outpatient clinics—are common. Entry-level occupational therapy assistants can expect to start at around $23.01 per hour, while top earners can make up to $40.44 per hour, reflecting the range of skills and experiences that contribute to compensation in this field. The figures are projections for 2026 based on 2025 BLS data, showcasing how the profession remains competitive even amidst challenges like recent Medicare reimbursement cuts.
About the Auburn Hills Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.01 | $184.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.30 | $218.37 |
| Median (P50) | $32.52 | $260.15 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.97 | $287.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.44 | $323.48 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Auburn Hills
Based on $32.52/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.52/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Auburn Hills, MI can expect to earn approximately $67,639 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,023. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Auburn Hills.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Auburn Hills
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,300.75 | $5,637 | $67,639 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $780.45 | $3,382 | $40,583 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $520.30 | $2,255 | $27,056 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Auburn Hills) | $32.52 |
| 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 Auburn Hills, MI earn a median of $67,643 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.00% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 2.40% below the Michigan state average of $69,306.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.52/hr = $40,583/year (purchasing power: $43,544).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $67,639/year (purchasing power: $72,574).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.91/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.63/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.52/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Auburn Hills (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.91/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.54/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.01/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.11/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.32/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.00/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.63/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.52/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.43/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Auburn Hills grew 17.5% from $26.91/hr (2019) to $31.63/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.43/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 Auburn Hills 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 Auburn Hills
Part-time occupational therapy assistants working 24 hours a week in Auburn Hills can expect a different earnings outlook compared to their full-time counterparts. By taking home $32.52 per hour, a part-timer might earn approximately $40,000 annually, which could be attractive for those seeking work-life balance. Conversely, per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Auburn Hills can vary widely; those on contracts may bill between $30 and $45 per hour. However, due to reimbursement changes post-2022, some skilled nursing facility COTAs may have seen reduced compensation, emphasizing the importance of understanding employer types. Variations in hourly rates depend on whether one is working in home health agencies, outpatient clinics, or school districts. While some occupational therapy assistants opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for health benefits, others prioritize higher pay without such perks. Seasoned COTAs in Auburn Hills can negotiate effectively by researching local pay scales and leveraging their specialized skills, balancing compensation and job satisfaction as they navigate their career pathways.
More salary data for Auburn Hills, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Auburn Hills in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Auburn Hills?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Auburn Hills paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Auburn Hills?
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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 Auburn Hills. 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 Auburn Hills 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