Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Athens, OH: $29.12 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Athens, OH runs $29.12 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,555 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Athens's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.10 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,337 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in Athens, Ohio can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $29.12 in 2026, which is significantly lower than the national hourly median of $35.74. This hourly wage suggests various earning possibilities for professionals in this field, including part-time and per-diem roles, which are prevalent in environments such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, and outpatient clinics. For those looking to work part-time, such as three days a week, the hourly rate translates into a stable income while allowing flexibility. Entry-level positions may start around $21.87 per hour, while seasoned professionals could earn up to $34.01 per hour, reflecting the range of opportunities available in Athens.
About the Athens Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.87 | $174.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.26 | $202.08 |
| Median (P50) | $29.12 | $232.93 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.05 | $248.39 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.01 | $272.08 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Athens
Based on $29.12/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.12/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Athens, OH can expect to earn approximately $60,561 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,939. With a cost-of-living index of 90.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Athens.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Athens
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,164.63 | $5,047 | $60,561 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $698.78 | $3,028 | $36,337 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $465.85 | $2,019 | $24,224 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Athens) | $29.12 |
| 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 Athens, OH earn a median of $60,555 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.53% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 7.20% below the Ohio state average of $65,253.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.12/hr = $36,337/year (purchasing power: $40,062).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,561/year (purchasing power: $66,771).
CoL index: 90.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.09/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.32/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.12/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Athens (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.09/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.65/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.18/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.17/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.25/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.70/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.32/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.12/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.93/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Athens grew 17.5% from $24.09/hr (2019) to $28.32/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.93/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 Athens 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 Athens
For part-time occupational therapy assistants working 24 hours a week, their annual earnings would approximate around $36,309, which highlights the trade-offs inherent in choosing part-time work. Per-diem and agency roles typically offer compensation between $30 and $45 per hour, and contracts for travel occupational therapy assistants can yield weekly earnings of $1,100 to $1,700. However, it’s essential to consider the impact of the 15% Medicare cut implemented post-2022, which has influenced pay scales across skilled nursing facilities and outpatient centers. Employment in different settings can lead to varying pay; for instance, those contracted by school districts may find benefits offsetting lower hourly rates compared to hospital positions that may offer higher pay without benefits. When negotiating hourly rates in Athens, it's crucial to factor in both compensation and benefits, as these aspects significantly affect overall job satisfaction and financial stability.
More salary data for Athens, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Athens in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Athens?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Athens paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Athens?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Athens?
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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 Athens. 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 Athens 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