Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Cary, NC: $37.20 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Cary, NC runs $37.20 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $77,375 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Cary's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $39.74 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,421 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cary, North Carolina, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay stands at $37.20, which is notably above the national median of $35.74. This competitive hourly rate opens up various opportunities for part-time and per-diem workers in settings such as skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and home health visits. Those working part-time, for example, can anticipate earning a steady income while maintaining a flexible schedule, making it viable to work three days a week in various therapy environments. For entry-level occupational therapy assistants, the hourly rate starts at around $27.24, while the top earners can achieve rates as high as $47.67 an hour, creating a compelling spectrum for both new and experienced COTAs.
About the Cary 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) | $27.24 | $217.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.17 | $257.35 |
| Median (P50) | $37.20 | $297.57 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.28 | $322.25 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.67 | $381.38 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cary
Based on $37.20/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.20/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cary, NC can expect to earn approximately $77,369 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,636. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Cary.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cary
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,487.87 | $6,447 | $77,369 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $892.72 | $3,868 | $46,421 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $595.15 | $2,579 | $30,948 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Cary) | $37.20 |
| 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 Cary, NC earn a median of $77,375 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.09% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 10.40% above the North Carolina state average of $70,086.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.20/hr = $46,421/year (purchasing power: $49,596).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $77,369/year (purchasing power: $82,659).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$30.78/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.18/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.20/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Cary (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.78/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.50/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.89/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.15/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.53/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.76/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.18/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.20/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.24/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Cary grew 17.5% from $30.78/hr (2019) to $36.18/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.24/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 Cary 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 Cary
Considering the financial implications of part-time work, a occupational therapy assistant working 24 hours a week (three 8-hour days) can expect to earn a yearly salary that is significantly less than their full-time counterparts. A typical part-time schedule may yield around $46,000 annually, providing a decent income yet a notable contrast to the comprehensive benefits that full-time positions might offer. In the realm of per diem work, COTAs tend to bill between $30 and $45 per hour. While some agencies may pay higher, especially for travel COTA contracts, compensation has been impacted by changes in Medicare reimbursement policies. The variation in pay among different employer types creates a landscape where occupational therapy assistants must weigh the benefits of job stability against the opportunity for higher hourly wages without the accompanying benefits of full-time employment. When negotiating hourly contracts, it's crucial to consider not just the hourly rate but also the potential for overtime, holiday pay, and any available health insurance, especially in a market as dynamic as Cary's.
More salary data for Cary, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Cary in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Cary?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Cary paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Cary?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Cary?
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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 Cary. 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 Cary 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