Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Sparks, NV: $35.44 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Sparks, NV runs $35.44 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $73,719 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Sparks's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.3, 2% below national), each hour of work buys what $36.05 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $44,227 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Sparks, Nevada, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay is projected to be $35.44 in 2026, which is slightly below the national median hourly rate of $35.74. For part-time professionals working three days a week, this translates to a take-home pay of approximately $1,423 monthly, an appealing option for those balancing personal commitments. Additionally, per-diem workers can command rates between $30 and $45 per hour, making this a viable route for flexibility in various clinical settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, outpatient clinics, and home health services. The hourly wage varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $23.42 and experienced professionals and top earners reaching up to $45.69.
About the Sparks 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) | $23.42 | $187.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.79 | $246.33 |
| Median (P50) | $35.44 | $283.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.93 | $319.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.69 | $365.51 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sparks
Based on $35.44/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.44/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sparks, NV can expect to earn approximately $73,712 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,526. With a cost-of-living index of 98.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Sparks.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sparks
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,417.54 | $6,143 | $73,712 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $850.53 | $3,686 | $44,227 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $567.02 | $2,457 | $29,485 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Sparks) | $35.44 |
| 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 Sparks, NV earn a median of $73,719 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.82% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 0.90% above the Nevada state average of $73,061.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.44/hr = $44,227/year (purchasing power: $44,992).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $73,712/year (purchasing power: $74,987).
CoL index: 98.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$29.33/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.47/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.44/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Sparks (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.33/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.01/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.43/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.63/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.95/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.14/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.47/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.44/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.43/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Sparks grew 17.5% from $29.33/hr (2019) to $34.47/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.43/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 Sparks 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 Sparks
The earning potential for part-time occupational therapy assistants in Sparks provides a comprehensive picture of career options. For instance, working 24 hours a week can yield an annual income that may appeal to individuals seeking supplemental income rather than full-time wages. While per diem jobs often offer enticing rates, the volatility in scheduling can lead to inconsistent income. Some employers, particularly in skilled nursing facilities and hospitals, may offer higher hourly rates but with the trade-off of health benefits that are more stable in full-time roles. In a post-2022 era where reimbursement cuts have impacted salary structures, understanding this balance is essential for job seekers. Negotiating hourly pay should consider the unique position of each employer type; for instance, outpatient clinics might provide lower pay but more predictable hours compared to agency contracts, which can vary significantly. Knowing the range and the specifics of industry contracts can empower occupational therapy assistants to advocate effectively for themselves.
More salary data for Sparks, NV:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Sparks in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Sparks?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Sparks paid hourly or salary?
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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 Sparks. 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 Sparks 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