Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Westland, MI: $33.42 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Westland, MI runs $33.42 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $69,525 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Westland's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $35.86 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,713 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in Westland, MI, can expect a notable median hourly rate of $33.42 in 2026, which is slightly below the national hourly median of $35.74. This compensation is significant for those considering part-time work, as professionals in this field often operate in diverse environments, including skilled nursing facility therapy rooms, hospital rehab units, and outpatient clinic spaces. For individuals working part-time, such as three days a week, this hourly rate translates into potential earnings suited to those seeking flexible schedules or per-diem roles. The hourly pay range varies from $23.33 for entry-level positions to $39.97 for top earners in the area, highlighting opportunities for growth and skill development within this profession. Such projections reflect estimated values derived from 2025 BLS data and illustrate the landscape for occupational therapy assistant hourly pay in Westland.
About the Westland 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) | $23.33 | $186.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.92 | $223.39 |
| Median (P50) | $33.42 | $267.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.83 | $286.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.97 | $319.78 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Westland
Based on $33.42/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.42/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Westland, MI can expect to earn approximately $69,521 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,108. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Westland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Westland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,336.94 | $5,793 | $69,521 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $802.16 | $3,476 | $41,713 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $534.78 | $2,317 | $27,808 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Westland) | $33.42 |
| 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 Westland, MI earn a median of $69,525 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.47% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 0.40% above the Michigan state average of $69,248.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.42/hr = $41,713/year (purchasing power: $44,756).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $69,521/year (purchasing power: $74,593).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$27.66/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.51/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.42/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Westland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.66/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.30/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.76/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.89/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.13/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.78/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.51/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.42/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.36/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Westland grew 17.5% from $27.66/hr (2019) to $32.51/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.36/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 Westland 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 Westland
Evaluating the financial prospects for part-time occupational therapy assistants reveals a stark contrast to full-time earnings. An assistant working 24 hours a week might net an annual income distinctly lower than their full-time counterparts, who typically enjoy more extensive benefits. Within Westland, per diem occupational therapy assistant pay flunctuates, with many professionals billing between $30 and $45 per hour depending on employer type—ranging from skilled nursing facilities to school district contracts. Additionally, travel occupational therapy assistants can earn weekly contracts of $1,100 to $1,700. However, many COTAs opt for positions with lower hourly rates that include health insurance. The impact of the 15% Medicare cut implemented in 2022 has compressed rates, particularly in outpatient settings, making negotiation skills essential. When discussing compensation, it’s vital to be aware of unique trade-offs and to highlight skills and certifications to secure the best possible rate within the local market.
More salary data for Westland, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Westland in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Westland?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Westland paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Westland?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Westland?
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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 Westland. 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 Westland 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