Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Fremont, NE: $31.73 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Fremont, NE runs $31.73 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,997 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Fremont's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.67 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,596 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fremont, Nebraska, the projected occupational therapy assistant hourly pay stands at $31.73, which is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $35.74. For professionals working part-time—around three days a week—this figure translates into a manageable annual income while offering flexibility in scheduling. Per-diem workers can also benefit from this hourly rate, applying their skills in various settings like skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, and outpatient clinics. In Fremont, entry-level occupational therapy assistants might expect to earn about $22.12 per hour, while experienced professionals can see rates as high as $39.07, reflecting the wider range of compensation available in this important sector of healthcare.
About the Fremont Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.12 | $177.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.61 | $220.92 |
| Median (P50) | $31.73 | $253.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.86 | $278.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.07 | $312.54 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fremont
Based on $31.73/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.73/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fremont, NE can expect to earn approximately $65,993 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,073. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Fremont.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fremont
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,269.09 | $5,499 | $65,993 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $761.45 | $3,300 | $39,596 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $507.63 | $2,200 | $26,397 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Fremont) | $31.73 |
| 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 Fremont, NE earn a median of $65,997 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.21% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 3.00% below the Nebraska state average of $68,038.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.73/hr = $39,596/year (purchasing power: $43,274).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,993/year (purchasing power: $72,123).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.25/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.86/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.73/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Fremont (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.25/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.86/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.35/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.42/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.60/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.47/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.86/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.73/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.62/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Fremont grew 17.5% from $26.25/hr (2019) to $30.86/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.62/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 Fremont 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 Fremont
Turning to the financial landscape for occupational therapy assistants, those choosing to work part-time—typically around 24 hours weekly—may see their annual income significantly impacted compared to full-time counterparts. Many per diem occupational therapy assistant pay rates in Fremont hover between $30 and $45 per hour, with specialized travel contracts offering weekly income between $1,100 and $1,700. This variability means that while skilled nursing facilities and outpatient clinics may provide stable employment, the fluctuating hourly rates necessitate strategic consideration. Some assistants may settle for lower hourly rates in exchange for comprehensive benefits like health insurance, while others opt for higher wages that come without these perks. Negotiating your pay can also hinge on the type of setting; it's wise to underscore experience and flexibility, especially when discussing opportunities with agencies or across different employer types in the area.
More salary data for Fremont, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Fremont in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Fremont?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Fremont paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Fremont?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Fremont?
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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 Fremont. 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 Fremont 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