Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Battle Creek, MI: $33.71 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Battle Creek, MI runs $33.71 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $70,124 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Battle Creek's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $36.17 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,072 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Battle Creek, Michigan, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay stands at a median of $33.71, which is slightly below the national hourly median of $35.74. This hourly rate impacts professionals across different working arrangements, including part-time or per-diem positions common in skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, outpatient clinics, and home health scenarios. Part-time occupational therapy assistants working three days a week typically take home a stable salary, while per-diem pay ranges, particularly in agency roles, show entry-level assistants starting at approximately $23.01, with experienced workers earning up to $40.82. It's essential to recognize that these hourly figures derive from projected annual salary data and represent a vibrant sector adapting to evolving healthcare demands.
About the Battle Creek 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) | $27.77 | $222.15 |
| Median (P50) | $33.71 | $269.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.54 | $292.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.82 | $326.52 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Battle Creek
Based on $33.71/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.71/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Battle Creek, MI can expect to earn approximately $70,120 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,454. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Battle Creek.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Battle Creek
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,348.46 | $5,843 | $70,120 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $809.07 | $3,506 | $42,072 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $539.38 | $2,337 | $28,048 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Battle Creek) | $33.71 |
| 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 Battle Creek, MI earn a median of $70,124 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.66% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 1.20% above the Michigan state average of $69,292.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.71/hr = $42,072/year (purchasing power: $45,141).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $70,120/year (purchasing power: $75,236).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$27.90/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.79/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.71/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Battle Creek (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.90/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.54/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.00/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.14/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.39/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.03/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.79/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.71/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.66/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Battle Creek grew 17.5% from $27.90/hr (2019) to $32.79/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.66/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 Battle Creek 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 Battle Creek
When considering part-time work, a three-day/week schedule for occupational therapy assistants supports a manageable work-life balance while still generating substantial income. These professionals may earn less annually compared to full-time peers, yet they can still carve out a competitive niche within their field. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Battle Creek commonly fluctuates between $30 and $45 per hour, with some travel COTA contracts offering weekly take-home amounts ranging from $1,100 to $1,700. It’s important to note the differing pay scales across employer types: skilled nursing facilities may provide lower pay compared to outpatient clinics that might offer higher compensation but come without benefits, pushing some to trade off hourly rates for job security. When negotiating their hourly rate, occupational therapy assistants in Battle Creek should consider the value of benefits, understand the local job market dynamics, and remain aware of regulatory impacts like the 15% Medicare cut that affects service reimbursements in various environments.
More salary data for Battle Creek, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Battle Creek in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Battle Creek?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Battle Creek paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Battle Creek?
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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 Battle Creek. 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 Battle Creek 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