Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Matthews, NC: $33.32 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Matthews, NC runs $33.32 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $69,300 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Matthews's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $35.60 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,584 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Matthews, North Carolina, an occupational therapy assistant earns a median hourly rate of $33.32, which is slightly lower than the national median hourly pay of $35.74. This hourly rate translates into practical earning potential for part-time and per-diem workers in various therapeutic settings, such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and during home health visits. For those just entering the field, hourly wages start at approximately $24.12, while top earners can expect to receive around $39.00 per hour. Keep in mind that these figures are estimates based on projected annual salary data for 2026, providing a framework for understanding pay within this essential profession.
About the Matthews 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) | $24.12 | $192.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.47 | $227.74 |
| Median (P50) | $33.32 | $266.57 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.38 | $283.02 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.00 | $311.97 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Matthews
Based on $33.32/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.32/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Matthews, NC can expect to earn approximately $69,307 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,985. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Matthews.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Matthews
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,332.83 | $5,776 | $69,307 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $799.70 | $3,465 | $41,584 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $533.13 | $2,310 | $27,723 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Matthews) | $33.32 |
| 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 Matthews, NC earn a median of $69,300 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.77% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 1.10% below the North Carolina state average of $70,071.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.32/hr = $41,584/year (purchasing power: $44,428).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $69,307/year (purchasing power: $74,046).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$27.57/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.41/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.32/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Matthews (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.57/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.21/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.67/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.80/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.04/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.25/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.41/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.32/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.26/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Matthews grew 17.5% from $27.57/hr (2019) to $32.41/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.26/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 Matthews 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 Matthews
In terms of part-time earning potential, an occupational therapy assistant working three days a week, totaling 24 hours, could expect to take home about $41,664 annually. This contrasts with full-time earnings, which would yield a significantly higher overall income. Per-diem and agency positions offer a different dynamic, with competitive pay rates typically ranging from $30 to $45 per hour. Travel contracts also present opportunities for increased income, with some COTAs earning between $1,100 and $1,700 weekly. However, it's crucial to consider how hourly rates vary across different employer types in Matthews, such as skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and school districts. This variation often reflects a trade-off between higher hourly wages with fewer benefits and lower rates that include health insurance. For occupational therapy assistants looking to negotiate pay, understanding the specific context and value offered by each employment opportunity is key to achieving optimal compensation.
More salary data for Matthews, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Matthews. 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 Matthews 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