Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Fernley, NV: $32.47 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Fernley, NV runs $32.47 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $67,538 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Fernley's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.3, 2% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.03 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,519 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the median hourly pay for an occupational therapy assistant in Fernley, Nevada is projected to be $32.47, which is below the national median hourly rate of $35.74. This discrepancy may impact both part-time and per-diem workers in typical settings such as skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and home care. For instance, those working three days a week would see an income that varies considerably based on experience, with entry-level positions starting around $25.19 and top earners making up to $38.81 per hour. While these hourly rates are derived from annual salary estimates, they provide a practical view of employment potential within the local market, especially as many COTAs balance work-life considerations while providing valuable therapy services in their communities.
About the Fernley Market
Salary estimated from Nevada average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25.19 | $201.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.76 | $230.05 |
| Median (P50) | $32.47 | $259.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.17 | $281.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.81 | $310.49 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fernley
Based on $32.47/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.47/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fernley, NV can expect to earn approximately $67,532 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,961. With a cost-of-living index of 98.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Fernley.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fernley
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,298.70 | $5,628 | $67,532 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $779.22 | $3,377 | $40,519 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $519.48 | $2,251 | $27,013 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Fernley) | $32.47 |
| 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 Fernley, NV earn a median of $67,538 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.14% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 7.60% below the Nevada state average of $73,093.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.47/hr = $40,519/year (purchasing power: $41,220).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $67,532/year (purchasing power: $68,700).
CoL index: 98.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.87/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.58/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.47/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Fernley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.87/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.49/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.96/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.06/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.27/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.95/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.58/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.47/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.38/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Fernley grew 17.5% from $26.87/hr (2019) to $31.58/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.38/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 Fernley 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 Fernley
Part-time occupational therapy assistants in Fernley working a 24-hour week could expect an annual take-home of approximately $40,000, which can differ significantly from full-time counterparts. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Fernley tends to range from $30 to $45 per hour, with travel contracts potentially earning $1,100 to $1,700 weekly. However, since the 15% Medicare cut in 2022, agency-based occupational therapy assistants particularly in skilled nursing facilities have experienced compressed wages. Hourly pay can also vary widely across employer types; for example, school district contracts may offer different compensation than home health agencies. Many COTAs may choose lower hourly rates for the security of health benefits, while others might seek higher pay without benefits. Effective negotiation on pay and benefits is essential for those entering the field in Fernley, especially in light of the evolving reimbursement landscape.
More salary data for Fernley, NV:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Fernley in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Fernley?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Fernley paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Fernley?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Fernley?
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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 Fernley. 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 Fernley 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