Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Apex, NC: $33.93 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Apex, NC runs $33.93 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $70,579 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Apex's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $36.25 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,341 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in Apex, NC, earn a median hourly rate of $33.93, which is slightly lower than the national median of $35.74. This hourly wage presents diverse earning potential for part-time employees working three days a week and those engaged in per-diem roles in various settings, including skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, and outpatient clinics. For entry-level positions, hourly earnings typically start around $23.85, while experienced professionals can earn as much as $40.80 per hour. These estimates stem from annual salary data, providing a useful framework for understanding compensation in this vital healthcare role. With the projected annual growth rate of 2.81%, the future for COTAs in Apex looks promising, although the impact of the Medicare cuts from 2022 remains a factor in the overall compensation landscape.
About the Apex Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.85 | $190.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.76 | $238.11 |
| Median (P50) | $33.93 | $271.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.50 | $291.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.80 | $326.36 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Apex
Based on $33.93/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.93/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Apex, NC can expect to earn approximately $70,569 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,713. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Apex.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Apex
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,357.09 | $5,881 | $70,569 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $814.26 | $3,528 | $42,341 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $542.84 | $2,352 | $28,228 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Apex) | $33.93 |
| 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 Apex, NC earn a median of $70,579 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.05% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 0.70% above the North Carolina state average of $70,088.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.93/hr = $42,341/year (purchasing power: $45,236).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $70,569/year (purchasing power: $75,394).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$28.08/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.00/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.93/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Apex (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.08/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.73/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.18/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.33/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.59/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.81/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.00/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.93/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.88/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Apex grew 17.5% from $28.08/hr (2019) to $33.00/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.88/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 Apex 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 Apex
For those considering part-time work, an occupational therapy assistant committed to a 24-hour week could anticipate a significantly different income compared to a full-time position. This arrangement commonly yields approximately $42,000 annually, a figure lower than the full-time median. Per-diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Apex typically falls within the $30-$45 per hour range, while travel COTA contracts can bring in between $1,100 and $1,700 weekly. The decline in agency rates following the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut is a reality COTAs must navigate as they assess opportunities across various employer types, from outpatient clinics to home health agencies. Some professionals may choose slightly lower hourly rates for the security of health benefits, while others prioritize higher pay without them. Negotiation can be key; highlighting experience and flexibility when discussing offers can improve compensation opportunities for hourly workers in this competitive field.
More salary data for Apex, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Apex in 2026?
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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 Apex. 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 Apex 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