Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Helena, MT: $27.79 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Helena, MT runs $27.79 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $57,792 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Helena's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.2, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $28.89 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,681 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs) in Helena, Montana, earn a median hourly rate of $27.79, significantly lower than the national median of $35.74. This rate provides a workable income for those in the field, especially for part-time COTAs who might work three days a week, totaling approximately 24 hours, or for individuals engaging in per-diem contracts at various healthcare facilities. Effective per-diem settings could include skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, hospital rehab units, and school therapy environments. With an hourly range in Helena from $20.95 to $33.50, entry-level workers may find their footing, while seasoned professionals can access higher rates, although this still trails behind national averages. It’s important to remember that these hourly figures are derived from projected annual salary estimates provided by BLS data for 2026.
About the Helena 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) | $20.95 | $167.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.36 | $194.85 |
| Median (P50) | $27.79 | $222.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.70 | $245.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $33.50 | $267.96 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Helena
Based on $27.79/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.79/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Helena, MT can expect to earn approximately $57,802 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,347. With a cost-of-living index of 96.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Helena.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Helena
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,111.58 | $4,817 | $57,802 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $666.95 | $2,890 | $34,681 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $444.63 | $1,927 | $23,121 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Helena) | $27.79 |
| 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 Helena, MT earn a median of $57,792 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.25% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 4.20% below the Montana state average of $60,325.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.79/hr = $34,681/year (purchasing power: $36,051).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $57,802/year (purchasing power: $60,085).
CoL index: 96.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.00/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.03/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.79/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Helena (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.00/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.53/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.08/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.02/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.05/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.46/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.03/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.79/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.57/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Helena grew 17.5% from $23.00/hr (2019) to $27.03/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.57/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 Helena 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 Helena
In evaluating the earning potential for part-time occupational therapy assistants in Helena, working 24 hours a week translates to approximately $34,864 annually, a fraction of what full-time employees might earn. Per-diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Helena generally falls between $30 to $45 an hour, giving seasoned practitioners the flexibility to maximize their income as they navigate various job opportunities. However, with the recent 15% Medicare cut impacting payer rates in skilled nursing facilities and outpatient settings, premium pay for agency positions has also shifted. Those in different employment types—ranging from early intervention programs to home health agencies—may find their hourly compensation varies accordingly. Additionally, COTAs need to consider the trade-off between higher hourly wages without benefits versus lower hourly rates that may come with health insurance. For contract negotiations, emphasizing experience and specialized skills can aid in attaining more favorable hourly terms, fostering career growth in the Helena region.
More salary data for Helena, MT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Helena in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Helena?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Helena paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Helena?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Helena?
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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 Helena. 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 Helena 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