Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Clinton, MS: $28.16 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Clinton, MS runs $28.16 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,570 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Clinton's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.86 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,143 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Clinton, Mississippi, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay stands at an estimated $28.16 for 2026, significantly below the national hourly median of $35.74. This wage reflects the unique cost of living and demand for these professionals in the region. For those considering part-time work, such as a typical schedule of three days a week, this hourly rate can translate into substantial earnings even without full-time status. Additionally, per-diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Clinton is competitive, allowing flexibility in various settings, including skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and home health visits, where the hourly range varies from $21.59 to $32.42, indicative of entry-level versus top earners. Understanding that these figures are projections allows future practitioners to gauge their potential earnings accurately as they enter the workforce.
About the Clinton Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.59 | $172.72 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.76 | $198.05 |
| Median (P50) | $28.16 | $225.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.73 | $237.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $32.42 | $259.33 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Clinton
Based on $28.16/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.16/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Clinton, MS can expect to earn approximately $58,572 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,792. With a cost-of-living index of 85.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Clinton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Clinton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,126.39 | $4,881 | $58,572 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $675.83 | $2,929 | $35,143 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $450.55 | $1,952 | $23,429 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Clinton) | $28.16 |
| 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 Clinton, MS earn a median of $58,570 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.20% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 8.10% below the Mississippi state average of $63,732.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.16/hr = $35,143/year (purchasing power: $41,007).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,572/year (purchasing power: $68,345).
CoL index: 85.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.30/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.39/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.16/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Clinton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.30/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.84/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.39/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.34/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.39/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.49/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.39/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.16/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.95/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Clinton grew 17.5% from $23.30/hr (2019) to $27.39/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.95/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 Clinton 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 Clinton
The earning potential for a part-time occupational therapy assistant in Clinton can create a stark contrast when compared to full-time roles. For those working 24 hours a week, annual earnings could be around $35,000, which may suffice for some given the lower cost of living index in Clinton. In contrast, per-diem roles can offer a higher hourly pay rate ranging from $30 to $45, with travel contracts yielding substantial weekly compensation of $1,100 to $1,700. However, these advantages can come with trade-offs, as lower hourly rates often accompany benefits like health insurance. It's essential for COTAs in this area to understand how pay expectations can differ among employer types, including skilled nursing facilities and school districts. Negotiating for better hourly rates while factoring in overall benefits can profoundly affect job satisfaction and financial health in the long run, especially as the profession navigates the impacts of Medicare reimbursements and the potential fallout from the 15% cut enacted in 2022.
More salary data for Clinton, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Clinton in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Clinton?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Clinton paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Clinton?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Clinton?
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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 Clinton. 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 Clinton 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