Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Livonia, MI: $32.81 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Livonia, MI runs $32.81 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $68,242 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Livonia's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $35.20 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,943 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Livonia, Michigan, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $32.81 in 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $35.74. This rate is significant for professionals who might be working part-time or as per-diem therapists, as many in this field are employed in various settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, and outpatient clinics. For those working about three days a week, or 24 hours total, this translates to a meaningful income that can supplement other earnings or serve as a sole income stream. The hourly pay range offers opportunities for entry-level professionals starting at approximately $24.40 to those in the field with substantial experience and specialized skills earning up to $39.20, allowing for a diverse professional landscape in Livonia.
About the Livonia 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) | $24.40 | $195.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.63 | $229.06 |
| Median (P50) | $32.81 | $262.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.14 | $281.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.20 | $313.61 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Livonia
Based on $32.81/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.81/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Livonia, MI can expect to earn approximately $68,238 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,368. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Livonia.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Livonia
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,312.27 | $5,686 | $68,238 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $787.36 | $3,412 | $40,943 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $524.91 | $2,275 | $27,295 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Livonia) | $32.81 |
| 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 Livonia, MI earn a median of $68,242 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.19% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 1.50% below the Michigan state average of $69,281.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.81/hr = $40,943/year (purchasing power: $43,930).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $68,238/year (purchasing power: $73,217).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$27.15/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.91/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.81/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Livonia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.15/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.78/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.24/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.36/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.58/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.25/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.91/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.81/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.73/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Livonia grew 17.5% from $27.15/hr (2019) to $31.91/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.73/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 Livonia 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 Livonia
Navigating part-time positions, an occupational therapy assistant working three days a week can realistically expect to take home around $40,754 annually, significantly less than their full-time counterparts. For those considering per diem roles, pay can vary widely; agency occupational therapy assistants often see hourly rates between $30 and $45, and lucrative travel contracts can yield weekly earnings ranging from $1,100 to $1,700. However, trends show that premiums for agency work in skilled nursing facilities have declined following the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut instituted in 2022, which has altered the earning dynamics in this sphere. In Livonia, hourly compensation can differ based on the employer type, with outpatient clinics and home health agencies often offering competitive pay but potentially less access to benefits. For those negotiating hourly rates, it's beneficial to assess the trade-offs between higher pay without healthcare coverage and lower rates that include essential benefits, particularly for new graduates entering the workforce from pathways such as COTA to MOT programs.
More salary data for Livonia, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Livonia in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Livonia?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Livonia paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Livonia?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Livonia?
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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 Livonia. 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 Livonia 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