Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Jacksonville, NC: $33.88 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Jacksonville, NC runs $33.88 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $70,452 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Jacksonville's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $36.19 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,277 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Jacksonville, North Carolina, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay stands at a median of $33.88, which is slightly lower than the national hourly median of $35.74. This figure indicates promising prospects for part-time workers, such as those seeking three-day work weeks, allowing them to balance commitments while earning competitive pay. Per-diem occupational therapy assistants, who often find employment in skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, and outpatient clinics, typically see hourly rates ranging from $23.71 to $40.60. Such estimates are based on annual salary data, reflecting a diverse earning potential. While entry-level COTAs can expect to earn closer to the P10 hourly rate, experienced professionals nearing the P90 threshold can capitalize on their skills, making an attractive hourly income in various therapy environments.
About the Jacksonville 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) | $23.71 | $189.66 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.34 | $226.76 |
| Median (P50) | $33.88 | $271.01 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.35 | $290.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.60 | $324.80 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Jacksonville
Based on $33.88/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.88/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Jacksonville, NC can expect to earn approximately $70,462 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,651. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Jacksonville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Jacksonville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,355.04 | $5,872 | $70,462 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $813.02 | $3,523 | $42,277 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $542.01 | $2,349 | $28,185 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Jacksonville) | $33.88 |
| 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 Jacksonville, NC earn a median of $70,452 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.22% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 0.50% above the North Carolina state average of $70,101.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.88/hr = $42,277/year (purchasing power: $45,168).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $70,462/year (purchasing power: $75,280).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$28.03/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.95/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.88/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Jacksonville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.03/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.68/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.13/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.28/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.54/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.75/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.95/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.88/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.83/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Jacksonville grew 17.5% from $28.03/hr (2019) to $32.95/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.83/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 Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville
When considering the financial benefits of working part-time, an occupational therapy assistant scheduled for three days a week—equivalent to roughly 24 hours—will take home a significantly lower annual income than full-time peers. Meanwhile, per diem arrangements appeal to those looking for flexible schedules. However, prospective candidates should note that the per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Jacksonville might range from $30 to $45 per hour, while travel contracts could command between $1,100 and $1,700 weekly. Pay differentials exist across different employer types, like skilled nursing facilities versus schools, with many COTAs weighing the trade-offs between higher hourly rates without benefits against more stable positions that offer health insurance. For those negotiating hourly wage agreements in Jacksonville, it's advisable to consider both immediate pay and the long-term value of benefits, ensuring a well-rounded compensation package that aligns with their career goals in this sector.
More salary data for Jacksonville, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Jacksonville in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Jacksonville?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Jacksonville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Jacksonville?
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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 Jacksonville. 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 Jacksonville 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