Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Oxford, MS: $29.22 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Oxford, MS runs $29.22 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,775 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Oxford's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.09 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,465 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Oxford, Mississippi, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay is projected to be around $29.22 in 2026. This rate is notably lower than the national median of $35.74, indicating a deviation that potential workers should consider. For those working part-time, such as a typical three-day work week, this hourly rate translates to about $2,300 monthly, making it feasible for individuals balancing work with other responsibilities. Additionally, the hourly earnings range from $21.94 at the entry-level to about $34.95 for those at the top of their career in this profession. Many occupational therapy assistants operate in diverse environments, including skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, outpatient clinics, and even home health visits, which often impacts pay based on location and demand.
About the Oxford 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) | $21.94 | $175.52 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.49 | $203.89 |
| Median (P50) | $29.22 | $233.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.18 | $257.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.95 | $279.56 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Oxford
Based on $29.22/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.22/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Oxford, MS can expect to earn approximately $60,775 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,062. With a cost-of-living index of 85.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Oxford.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Oxford
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,168.74 | $5,065 | $60,775 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $701.25 | $3,039 | $36,465 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $467.50 | $2,026 | $24,310 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Oxford) | $29.22 |
| 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 Oxford, MS earn a median of $60,775 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.24% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 4.60% below the Mississippi state average of $63,706.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.22/hr = $36,465/year (purchasing power: $42,549).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,775/year (purchasing power: $70,916).
CoL index: 85.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.18/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.42/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.22/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Oxford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.18/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.74/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.27/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.26/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.34/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.37/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.42/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.22/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.04/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Oxford grew 17.5% from $24.18/hr (2019) to $28.42/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.04/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 Oxford 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 Oxford
In terms of earning potential for part-time Occupational Therapy Assistants, working 24 hours a week results in an annual income that is significantly lower than those in full-time positions. While per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Oxford can range from $30 to $45 per hour, many COTAs might find themselves in a tight spot following recent reimbursement cuts that affected skilled nursing facilities. Travel contracts for occupational therapy assistants can yield impressive week-long earnings between $1,100 and $1,700, particularly for those willing to take on agency or locum positions. However, hourly rates can differ based on employer type; settings like school districts, outpatient clinics, or home health agencies may offer varying salaries and benefit packages. Therefore, many occupational therapy assistants face the decision of accepting lower hourly rates in exchange for health insurance benefits or opting for higher pay without those added advantages. For those negotiating their hourly rate, staying informed about prevailing local salaries and emphasizing unique skills or specialties can play a decisive role in securing better pay in Oxford.
More salary data for Oxford, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Oxford in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Oxford?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Oxford paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Oxford?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Oxford?
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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 Oxford. 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 Oxford 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