Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Greensboro, NC: $36.71 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Greensboro, NC runs $36.71 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $76,378 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Greensboro's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.9, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $39.53 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $45,818 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Greensboro, North Carolina, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay is projected to be $36.71 in 2026, which is slightly higher than the national median hourly rate of $35.74. This competitive wage offers great potential for those working part-time, such as per diem occupational therapy assistants in diverse settings like skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, and outpatient clinics. For workers in this field, a flexible schedule can be appealing, with opportunities to earn between $30.36 to $47.60 per hour depending on experience and specific job tasks. The variation in pay allows for entry-level workers to gradually increase their earnings as they gain experience, while top earners can significantly enhance their income through specialized roles or overtime.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30.36 | $242.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.77 | $246.17 |
| Median (P50) | $36.71 | $293.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.44 | $299.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.60 | $380.81 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Greensboro
Based on $36.71/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.71/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Greensboro, NC can expect to earn approximately $76,364 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,056. With a cost-of-living index of 92.86 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Greensboro.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Greensboro
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,468.54 | $6,364 | $76,364 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $881.12 | $3,818 | $45,818 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $587.42 | $2,545 | $30,546 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Greensboro) | $36.71 |
| 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 Greensboro, NC earn a median of $76,378 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.75% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 8.90% above the North Carolina state average of $70,135.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.71/hr = $45,818/year (purchasing power: $49,339).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $76,364/year (purchasing power: $82,231).
CoL index: 92.865 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$35.08/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.71/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.71/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+7.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Greensboro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35.08/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $36.77/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.83/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.79/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.80/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.55/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.71/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.71/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.75/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Greensboro grew 1.8% from $35.08/hr (2019) to $35.71/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.75/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 Greensboro 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 Greensboro
Considering the 3-day workweek scenario, an occupational therapy assistant in Greensboro dedicating around 24 hours weekly could earn a substantial annual income, although under full-time status, the earnings would rise accordingly. Per diem roles might offer a wider range of billing rates from $30 to $45 per hour, while traveling COTAs can earn weekly contracts ranging from $1,100 to $1,700. Facility type also affects compensation—occupational therapy assistants in hospitals or outpatient settings may see different rates compared to those in school districts or home health agencies. Some may opt for lower hourly rates that include health benefits, while others might pursue higher rates without benefits. For those negotiating wages, it's beneficial to stay informed on regional standards, emphasizing skills and certifications as leverage for better hourly rates in Greensboro's evolving job market.
More salary data for Greensboro, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Greensboro in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Greensboro?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Greensboro paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Greensboro?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Greensboro?
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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 Greensboro. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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