Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Detroit, MI: $30.10 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Detroit, MI runs $30.10 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,611 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Detroit's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.3, 0% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.01 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,568 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Detroit, Michigan, hourly compensation for occupational therapy assistants is projected to be $30.10 in 2026, which is considerably lower than the national median of $35.74. This differential creates significant implications for part-time and per-diem workers, particularly those engaged in settings like skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and home health visits. Employees working three days a week can expect to earn around $622 per week, allowing for relatively steady income despite working fewer hours. For those at the entry level, hourly pay starts at approximately $25.84, while experienced practitioners can earn as high as $44.25. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, reflect the competitive nature of occupational therapy assistant hourly pay in Detroit amidst evolving economic conditions influenced by factors like the 15% Medicare cut.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25.84 | $206.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.25 | $234.00 |
| Median (P50) | $30.10 | $240.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.95 | $303.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.25 | $354.00 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Detroit
Based on $30.10/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.10/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Detroit, MI can expect to earn approximately $62,614 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,123. With a cost-of-living index of 100.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Detroit.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Detroit
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,204.11 | $5,218 | $62,614 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $722.47 | $3,131 | $37,568 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $481.64 | $2,087 | $25,046 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Detroit) | $30.10 |
| 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 Detroit, MI earn a median of $62,611 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.77% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 9.60% below the Michigan state average of $69,260.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.10/hr = $37,568/year (purchasing power: $37,457).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,614/year (purchasing power: $62,428).
CoL index: 100.298 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$25.83/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.28/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.10/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+19.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Detroit (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.83/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.39/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.15/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.95/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.57/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.83/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.28/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.10/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.95/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Detroit grew 13.4% from $25.83/hr (2019) to $29.28/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.95/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 Detroit 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 Detroit
Exploring the earning potential in this field reveals varied routes depending on the employment structure. A part-time occupational therapy assistant working 24 hours a week can take home around $31,000 annually, which contrasts with full-time earnings significantly boosted through benefits, particularly health insurance. For those opting for per diem or agency work, it’s common to see wages billing at $30 to $45 per hour; however, travel contracts can attract higher rates from $1,100 to $1,700 per week. The nature of the work environment can affect hourly rates, as employers like skilled nursing facilities or school districts may offer different compensation levels in exchange for job stability or health benefits. Occupational therapy assistants in Detroit should strategically assess these trade-offs and be prepared to negotiate their hourly pay based on experience and the benefits package offered by their employer. For those entering this field or considering a transition to a COTA-to-MOT path, understanding the dynamics of occupational therapy assistant hourly rates in MI is crucial for making informed career choices.
More salary data for Detroit, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Detroit in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Detroit?
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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 Detroit. 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, 7-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