Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Pontiac, MI: $32.16 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Pontiac, MI runs $32.16 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $66,897 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Pontiac's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.51 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,134 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pontiac, Michigan, the projected occupational therapy assistant hourly pay stands at $32.16, which is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $35.74. This rate can significantly impact part-time workers, who may find themselves earning a steady income by working three days a week, or those engaged in per-diem roles, allowing flexibility in various settings such as skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and school therapy rooms. Within Pontiac, the hourly pay ranges from $23.04 at the entry-level to as high as $39.21 for more experienced assistants. It’s important to remember that these hourly figures are estimated from annual salary data, reflecting both the opportunities and limitations encountered in local job markets.
About the Pontiac 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) | $23.04 | $184.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.32 | $218.53 |
| Median (P50) | $32.16 | $257.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.92 | $279.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.21 | $313.69 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pontiac
Based on $32.16/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.16/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pontiac, MI can expect to earn approximately $66,891 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,591. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Pontiac.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pontiac
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,286.36 | $5,574 | $66,891 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $771.82 | $3,345 | $40,134 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $514.54 | $2,230 | $26,756 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Pontiac) | $32.16 |
| 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 Pontiac, MI earn a median of $66,897 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.00% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 3.40% below the Michigan state average of $69,252.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.16/hr = $40,134/year (purchasing power: $43,063).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $66,891/year (purchasing power: $71,771).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.61/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.28/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.16/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Pontiac (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.61/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.23/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.71/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.80/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.99/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.69/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.28/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.16/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.06/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Pontiac grew 17.5% from $26.61/hr (2019) to $31.28/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.06/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 Pontiac 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 Pontiac
When examining the practical implications of the occupational therapy assistant hourly rate in Pontiac, variable earning potential becomes apparent, particularly for those opting for part-time hours. A COTA working 24 hours a week might take home a salary that is significantly less than full-time colleagues, with a potential income reflecting the limitations of part-time engagement. Per diem positions present another layer of complexity; COTAs in Pontiac might bill anywhere between $30 to $45 per hour, while travel contracts can generate weekly payments of $1,100 to $1,700. However, recent cuts in reimbursement rates have pressured pay scales in settings like skilled nursing facilities. Those looking for steady employment may need to weigh the trade-offs of lower hourly rates against benefits like health insurance when considering their options. For COTAs navigating negotiations in Pontiac's market, emphasizing expertise or specialty skills could provide leverage in securing a more favorable hourly rate, while being mindful of the fluid nature of rates based on employer type.
More salary data for Pontiac, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Pontiac in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Pontiac?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Pontiac paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Pontiac?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Pontiac?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Michigan
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 Pontiac. 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 Pontiac 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