Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Fuquay-Varina, NC: $33.13 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Fuquay-Varina, NC runs $33.13 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $68,903 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Fuquay-Varina's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $35.39 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,340 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in Fuquay-Varina, NC, earn a median hourly pay of $33.13, which falls below the national average of $35.74 per hour. This hourly rate is particularly relevant for part-time and per-diem professionals within various environments, including skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, and school therapy rooms. For those working part-time, typically around three days a week, this translates to a stable income while allowing for flexibility. The hourly earnings for occupational therapy assistants in this area range from $23.80 for entry-level positions to $38.40 for the most experienced practitioners, reflecting the diverse demand and experience levels within the field. Estimated hourly rates stem from annual salary data, providing a framework for understanding potential earnings for both full-time and part-time roles.
About the Fuquay-Varina 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) | $23.80 | $190.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.35 | $234.82 |
| Median (P50) | $33.13 | $265.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.95 | $279.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.40 | $307.20 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fuquay-Varina
Based on $33.13/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.13/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fuquay-Varina, NC can expect to earn approximately $68,901 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,750. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Fuquay-Varina.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fuquay-Varina
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,325.02 | $5,742 | $68,901 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $795.01 | $3,445 | $41,340 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $530.01 | $2,297 | $27,560 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Fuquay-Varina) | $33.13 |
| 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 Fuquay-Varina, NC earn a median of $68,903 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.30% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 1.70% below the North Carolina state average of $70,095.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.13/hr = $41,340/year (purchasing power: $44,167).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $68,901/year (purchasing power: $73,612).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$27.41/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.22/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.13/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Fuquay-Varina (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.41/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.05/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.51/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.63/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.86/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.08/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.22/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.13/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.06/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Fuquay-Varina grew 17.5% from $27.41/hr (2019) to $32.22/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.06/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 Fuquay-Varina 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 Fuquay-Varina
When analyzing part-time earnings, an occupational therapy assistant working approximately 24 hours a week could take home about $41,700 annually, compared to a full-time worker who earns closer to $68,903. For per-diem occupational therapy assistants in Fuquay-Varina, pay rates typically range from $30 to $45 per hour, with more lucrative travel contracts offering compensation between $1,100 and $1,700 a week. However, with recent Medicare Part B cuts affecting reimbursement rates, particularly in skilled nursing facilities, some COTAs face a decline in agency premiums compared to prior to these changes. Hourly rates can differ widely based on employer types in Fuquay-Varina, with outpatient clinics generally offering lower rates but potentially providing additional job security or benefits such as health insurance. When negotiating their hourly pay, occupational therapy assistants should weigh the value of solid benefits against potentially higher wages offered by private agencies, as opt for one over the other can significantly influence job satisfaction and financial stability.
More salary data for Fuquay-Varina, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Fuquay-Varina in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Fuquay-Varina?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Fuquay-Varina paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Fuquay-Varina?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Fuquay-Varina?
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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 Fuquay-Varina. 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 Fuquay-Varina 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