Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in La Vista, NE: $30.45 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in La Vista, NE runs $30.45 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,332 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against La Vista's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.28 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,004 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In La Vista, Nebraska, the projected hourly pay for an occupational therapy assistant in 2026 stands at $30.45, notably lower than the national average of $35.74. This creates a financial landscape where part-time workers, such as those clocking in three days a week, could expect to earn around $23,497 per year based on a typical 24-hour workweek. The hourly range for this profession varies significantly, starting at $23.86 for entry-level positions and capping at $35.77 for more experienced practitioners. Many occupational therapy assistants find employment in diverse settings, including skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and even conducting home health visits, with hourly pay figures calculated from annual salary estimates.
About the La Vista 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) | $23.86 | $190.90 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.24 | $217.96 |
| Median (P50) | $30.45 | $243.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.59 | $260.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.77 | $286.14 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in La Vista
Based on $30.45/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.45/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in La Vista, NE can expect to earn approximately $63,341 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,543. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in La Vista.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in La Vista
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,218.09 | $5,278 | $63,341 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $730.86 | $3,167 | $38,004 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $487.24 | $2,111 | $25,336 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (La Vista) | $30.45 |
| 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 La Vista, NE earn a median of $63,332 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.80% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 6.90% below the Nebraska state average of $68,026.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.45/hr = $38,004/year (purchasing power: $41,535).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,341/year (purchasing power: $69,225).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.20/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.62/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.45/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in La Vista (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.20/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.79/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.29/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.32/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.45/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.40/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.62/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.45/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.31/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in La Vista grew 17.5% from $25.20/hr (2019) to $29.62/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.31/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 La Vista 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 La Vista
Considering the job's part-time earning potential, those working 24 hours a week in La Vista may take home approximately $23,497 annually compared to full-time counterparts who could earn $63,332. Per diem roles in the area also present varied financial opportunities, with per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in La Vista typically ranging from $30 to $45 per hour, while travel contract positions can offer between $1,100 and $1,700 per week. Hourly rates differ across employer types, with skilled nursing facilities and outpatient clinics often reflecting tight budgets, especially after the 15% Medicare cut that affected reimbursements for OTA services. While some occupational therapy assistants might opt for lower pay for the sake of securing benefits like health insurance, others may prefer higher hourly rates without additional perks. For those negotiating their pay, emphasizing any specialized skills or certifications could help leverage higher compensation within this fluctuating job market.
More salary data for La Vista, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in La Vista in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in La Vista?
Are occupational therapy assistants in La Vista paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in La Vista?
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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 La Vista. 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 La Vista 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