Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Billings, MT: $29.92 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Billings, MT runs $29.92 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,228 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Billings's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.2, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.10 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,337 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in Billings, Montana are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $29.92 in 2026, which falls below the national median of $35.74. This disparity may have implications for those considering part-time positions, such as a typical schedule of three days per week. Such a schedule can provide valuable experience while still affording a modest income. The hourly pay for COTAs in Billings varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $20.81 and experienced professionals earning up to $36.86. Many COTAs work across various settings in Billings, including skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, outpatient clinics, and even in patients' homes, where their hourly rate is derived from industry trends and statewide statistics.
About the Billings Market
Salary estimated from Montana average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.81 | $166.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.99 | $199.94 |
| Median (P50) | $29.92 | $239.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.69 | $261.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.86 | $294.86 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Billings
Based on $29.92/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.92/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Billings, MT can expect to earn approximately $62,229 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,901. With a cost-of-living index of 96.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Billings.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Billings
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,196.71 | $5,186 | $62,229 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $718.03 | $3,111 | $37,337 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $478.68 | $2,074 | $24,892 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Billings) | $29.92 |
| 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 Billings, MT earn a median of $62,228 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.28% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 3.10% above the Montana state average of $60,357.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.92/hr = $37,337/year (purchasing power: $38,812).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,229/year (purchasing power: $64,687).
CoL index: 96.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.76/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.10/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.92/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Billings (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.76/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.33/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.85/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.86/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.97/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.57/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.10/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.92/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.76/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Billings grew 17.5% from $24.76/hr (2019) to $29.10/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.76/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 Billings 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 Billings
Exploring the real earning potential for occupational therapy assistants in Billings shows a different picture when working part-time versus full-time. A COTA working 24 hours a week can anticipate an annual income of just over $37,000, compared to nearly $62,000 for their full-time counterparts. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Billings typically ranges from $30 to $45 an hour, making these positions appealing for professionals seeking flexibility. However, travel contracts can vary dramatically, with weekly pay ranging from $1,100 to $1,700. It's essential to note that conditions in skilled nursing facilities have shifted since the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut in 2022, which has affected hourly wages. Depending on the employer—be it a school district, outpatient clinic, or home health agency—hourly rates can fluctuate. COTAs may opt for lower pay with benefits in certain positions, or pursue higher hourly rates in environments that do not offer health insurance. When considering offers, it's beneficial for assistants to negotiate based on local rates and the advantages that come from comprehensive benefit packages.
More salary data for Billings, MT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Billings in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Billings?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Billings paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Billings?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Billings?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Montana
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 Billings. 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 Billings 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