Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Hernando, MS: $28.83 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Hernando, MS runs $28.83 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,969 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Hernando's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.64 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,977 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in Hernando, Mississippi earn a median hourly rate of $28.83, notably lower than the national median of $35.74. This difference suggests that part-time and per-diem workers in the area, including those in skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, and outpatient clinics, may not realize the same financial gains as their counterparts elsewhere. For those working three days a week, this rate allows for an income range from $20.68 at the entry-level to $34.46 for seasoned professionals. It's vital to keep in mind that these hourly rates are estimated from annual salary data, providing a snapshot to help prospective and current occupational therapy assistants understand potential earnings within Hernando's job market.
About the Hernando 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) | $20.68 | $165.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.54 | $204.30 |
| Median (P50) | $28.83 | $230.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.22 | $249.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.46 | $275.70 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hernando
Based on $28.83/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.83/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hernando, MS can expect to earn approximately $59,962 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,594. With a cost-of-living index of 85.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Hernando.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hernando
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,153.12 | $4,997 | $59,962 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $691.87 | $2,998 | $35,977 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $461.25 | $1,999 | $23,985 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Hernando) | $28.83 |
| 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 Hernando, MS earn a median of $59,969 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.32% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 5.90% below the Mississippi state average of $63,729.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.83/hr = $35,977/year (purchasing power: $41,980).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,962/year (purchasing power: $69,967).
CoL index: 85.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.86/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.04/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.83/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Hernando (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.86/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.41/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.94/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.92/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.99/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.05/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.04/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.83/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.64/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Hernando grew 17.5% from $23.86/hr (2019) to $28.04/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.64/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 Hernando 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 Hernando
Examining part-time opportunities, a COTA working three days a week, or 24 hours, can anticipate an annual take-home amount that is significantly lower than a full-time position due to fewer billable hours. For those who choose per diem work, the pay can range from $30 to $45 an hour, with travel contracts attracting rates from $1,100 to $1,700 weekly. It's essential to recognize how hourly rates vary by employer type in Hernando; for example, skilled nursing facilities and outpatient clinics might offer lower pay compared to rehab hospitals or school contracts, where benefits are often included. Many occupational therapy assistants often face the dilemma of accepting lower hourly wages in exchange for health insurance versus pursuing higher hourly rates without benefits. When negotiating rates, it can be beneficial to emphasize any specialized skills or certifications, including those from AOTA or NBCOT, which may provide leverage for improved occupational therapy assistant hourly pay in Hernando, MS.
More salary data for Hernando, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Hernando in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Hernando?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Hernando paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Hernando?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Hernando?
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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 Hernando. 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 Hernando 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