Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Midland, MI: $31.84 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Midland, MI runs $31.84 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $66,229 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Midland's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.16 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,737 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Midland, Michigan, the projected median hourly pay for occupational therapy assistants is $31.84, which falls short of the national median of $35.74. This rate impacts various work arrangements, particularly for part-time and per-diem specialists engaged in therapy at skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, schools, outpatient clinics, and during home health visits. With an hourly range of $23.91 for entry-level positions to about $38.29 for the most experienced practitioners, these figures highlight the potential earning disparity depending on experience and workplace setting. Keep in mind that these hourly estimates are derived from annual salary projections, making them an important reference point for COTAs in the area.
About the Midland 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) | $23.91 | $191.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.85 | $222.81 |
| Median (P50) | $31.84 | $254.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.12 | $280.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.29 | $306.29 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Midland
Based on $31.84/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.84/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Midland, MI can expect to earn approximately $66,228 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,208. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Midland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Midland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,273.61 | $5,519 | $66,228 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $764.17 | $3,311 | $39,737 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $509.44 | $2,208 | $26,491 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Midland) | $31.84 |
| 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 Midland, MI earn a median of $66,229 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.90% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 4.40% below the Michigan state average of $69,277.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.84/hr = $39,737/year (purchasing power: $42,636).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $66,228/year (purchasing power: $71,060).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.35/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.97/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.84/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Midland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.35/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.96/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.44/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.52/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.70/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.41/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.97/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.84/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.73/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Midland grew 17.5% from $26.35/hr (2019) to $30.97/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.73/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 Midland 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 Midland
Part-time occupational therapy assistants in Midland, typically working three days a week at 24 hours, would take home roughly $39,800 annually, which is considerably less than what full-time employees can earn. Per-diem occupational therapy assistants in Midland can expect to see billing rates ranging from $30 to $45 per hour, with travel assignments offering contracts of $1,100 to $1,700 per week. It's important to note that hourly rates vary significantly among different employer types; skilled nursing facilities may offer lower pay compared to specialized outpatient clinics or schools, often attributed to evolving reimbursements and the recent Medicare cuts affecting therapy services. Trade-offs exist, such as those who might accept lower hourly wages for the benefit of employer-sponsored health insurance, versus those who prefer to maximize their hourly earnings without benefits. When negotiating rates, understanding local market conditions and the specific demands of various employers will be key to securing a favorable pay structure.
More salary data for Midland, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Midland in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Midland?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Midland paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Midland?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Midland?
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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 Midland. 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 Midland 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