Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Port Huron, MI: $32.91 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Port Huron, MI runs $32.91 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $68,444 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Port Huron's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $35.31 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,071 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistant hourly pay in Port Huron, MI is projected to average $32.91 in 2026. This figure is notably lower than the national hourly median of $35.74, indicating that COTAs in the area may encounter some local market limitations. For part-time positions, such as those working three days a week, this rate translates to a substantial income with flexibility. COTAs often find employment in a variety of settings including skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, outpatient clinics, and school therapy rooms, allowing for diverse career paths. Entry-level occupational therapy assistants might start at around $23.93, while those with more experience can command up to $38.40 per hour, reflecting the wage difference based on skill level and setting.
About the Port Huron 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) | $23.93 | $191.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.10 | $224.78 |
| Median (P50) | $32.91 | $263.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.69 | $285.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.40 | $307.20 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Port Huron
Based on $32.91/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.91/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Port Huron, MI can expect to earn approximately $68,452 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,491. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Port Huron.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Port Huron
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,316.38 | $5,704 | $68,452 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $789.83 | $3,423 | $41,071 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $526.55 | $2,282 | $27,381 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Port Huron) | $32.91 |
| 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 Port Huron, MI earn a median of $68,444 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.92% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 1.20% below the Michigan state average of $69,275.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.91/hr = $41,071/year (purchasing power: $44,068).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $68,452/year (purchasing power: $73,446).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$27.23/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.01/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.91/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Port Huron (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.23/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.87/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.33/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.45/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.67/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.33/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.01/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.91/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.83/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Port Huron grew 17.5% from $27.23/hr (2019) to $32.01/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.83/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 Port Huron 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 Port Huron
For those considering part-time work, a three-day workweek equates to about 24 hours, yielding an approximate annual income of $41,388. In recent years, per-diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Port Huron has ranged from $30 to $45 per hour, but contract opportunities — particularly for travel COTAs — can offer $1,100 to $1,700 per week. It's essential for occupational therapy assistants to recognize how their hourly wages can vary significantly across different employer types. Skilled nursing facilities may offer lower wages due to reduced reimbursements from Medicare, especially after the 15% cut in 2022, while outpatient clinics may provide competitive rates. When negotiating, COTAs should weigh job benefits like health insurance against higher per-hour wages associated with freelance opportunities, ensuring they select the best fit for their financial and professional needs.
More salary data for Port Huron, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Port Huron in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Port Huron?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Port Huron paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Port Huron?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Port Huron?
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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 Port Huron. 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 Port Huron 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