Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Flint, MI: $29.68 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Flint, MI runs $29.68 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,727 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Flint's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.0, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.90 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,042 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Flint, Michigan, the prevailing occupational therapy assistant hourly rate is set at $29.68, a figure notably lower than the national median of $35.74 per hour. This discrepancy poses a significant consideration for both part-time professionals and those pursuing per-diem opportunities. Typically working in environments such as skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and schools, part-time assistants who work three days a week can expect to capitalize on a competitive hourly wage while balancing flexibility. For entry-level professionals, the hourly range stretches from $25.63 to $31.87, allowing for growth as they gain experience and expertise. This official hourly data is sourced from 2025 BLS OEWS calculations, projected to 2026, offering valuable insights into the compensation landscape for occupational therapy assistants in the area.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25.63 | $205.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.77 | $206.20 |
| Median (P50) | $29.68 | $237.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.87 | $254.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.87 | $254.97 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Flint
Based on $29.68/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.68/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Flint, MI can expect to earn approximately $61,737 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,617. With a cost-of-living index of 93.03 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Flint.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Flint
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,187.25 | $5,145 | $61,737 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $712.35 | $3,087 | $37,042 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $474.90 | $2,058 | $24,695 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Flint) | $29.68 |
| 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 Flint, MI earn a median of $61,727 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.96% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 10.90% below the Michigan state average of $69,278.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.68/hr = $37,042/year (purchasing power: $39,816).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,737/year (purchasing power: $66,360).
CoL index: 93.034 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.56/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.87/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.68/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Flint (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.56/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.13/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.87/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.33/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.81/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.92/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.87/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.68/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.52/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Flint grew 17.5% from $24.56/hr (2019) to $28.87/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.52/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 Flint 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 Flint
Examining the earning potential for a part-time occupational therapy assistant working a 24-hour week reveals an annual take-home amount that, while lucrative, differs significantly when compared to full-time earnings. Many COTAs opt for per-diem positions, often billing between $30-$45 per hour, with travel contracts providing even higher weekly earnings that can range from $1,100 to $1,700. The types of employers in Flint can influence hourly rates, as salaries in skilled nursing facilities may reflect the recent 15% Medicare reimbursement cuts, thereby compressing pay. Those considering roles in hospitals, outpatient clinics, or school contracts need to weigh the trade-offs of lower pay against the benefits that come with full-time employment. Negotiating wages effectively is crucial in this market; professionals should consider leveraging their unique skill sets while staying informed about industry trends and the varying hourly rates within the Flint region. Understanding these dynamics can allow occupational therapy assistants to craft the best employment path for their circumstances.
More salary data for Flint, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Flint in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Flint?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Flint paid hourly or salary?
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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 Flint. 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, 5-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