Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Shelby Township, MI: $33.59 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Shelby Township, MI runs $33.59 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $69,855 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Shelby Township's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $36.04 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,918 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Shelby Township, the projected median hourly pay for an occupational therapy assistant is $33.59, slightly lower than the national median of $35.74. This hourly rate reflects the profession’s landscape, providing valuable insight for those considering part-time or per-diem work in diverse settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, and outpatient clinics. For an occupational therapy assistant working part-time, say three days a week, these figures allow for a steady income while having the flexibility to balance other responsibilities. The hourly pay for entry-level positions starts around $23.69, while more seasoned professionals can earn up to $41.71. Such earnings highlight the financial viability of the role, making it an appealing choice for individuals seeking opportunities in the healthcare sector.
About the Shelby Township 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) | $23.69 | $189.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.24 | $225.94 |
| Median (P50) | $33.59 | $268.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.92 | $295.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.71 | $333.68 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Shelby Township
Based on $33.59/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.59/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Shelby Township, MI can expect to earn approximately $69,863 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,306. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Shelby Township.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Shelby Township
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,343.52 | $5,822 | $69,863 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $806.11 | $3,493 | $41,918 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $537.41 | $2,329 | $27,945 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Shelby Township) | $33.59 |
| 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 Shelby Township, MI earn a median of $69,855 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.02% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 0.80% above the Michigan state average of $69,301.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.59/hr = $41,918/year (purchasing power: $44,976).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $69,863/year (purchasing power: $74,960).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$27.79/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.67/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.59/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Shelby Township (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.79/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.44/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.89/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.03/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.28/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.92/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.67/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.59/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.53/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Shelby Township grew 17.5% from $27.79/hr (2019) to $32.67/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.53/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 Shelby Township 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 Shelby Township
Analyzing earning potential further, a part-time occupational therapy assistant in Shelby Township, working 24 hours a week, could expect to take home approximately $41,862 annually. In contrast, full-time positions would yield significantly more, enhancing the financial benefits of pursuing a full work schedule. The per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Shelby Township often fluctuates, with rates between $30 to $45 an hour common for agency work. However, travel contracts can offer even higher earnings ranging from $1,100 to $1,700 a week, drawing professionals looking for short-term, lucrative assignments. Employers such as skilled nursing facilities or outpatient clinics may provide different compensation packages, with some positions even including health insurance benefits that can offset lower hourly wages. COTAs should be prepared to negotiate hourly pay based on their circumstances and the type of employment offer. In the current environment, understanding these dynamics can lead to better compensation choices when entering the field.
More salary data for Shelby Township, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Shelby Township in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Shelby Township?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Shelby Township paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Shelby Township?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Shelby Township?
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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 Shelby Township. 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 Shelby Township 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