Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Barberton, OH: $29.79 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Barberton, OH runs $29.79 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,967 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Barberton's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.85 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,183 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Barberton, Ohio, the hourly pay for an occupational therapy assistant (COTA) is projected at $29.79 for 2026, which falls below the national median hourly rate of $35.74. This difference can impact part-time workers, especially those who might only work three days a week, as they could earn approximately $22,171 annually based on a typical 24-hour workweek. In practical terms, COTAs typically operate from various settings, including skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and homes, which allows for flexible per-diem opportunities. The range for hourly pay in Barberton spans from $22.18 at the entry level to about $35.44 for those on the higher end of the earnings spectrum, likely reflecting experience and specific employer demands.
About the Barberton 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) | $22.18 | $177.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.82 | $206.52 |
| Median (P50) | $29.79 | $238.35 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.98 | $255.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.44 | $283.51 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Barberton
Based on $29.79/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.79/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Barberton, OH can expect to earn approximately $61,972 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,753. With a cost-of-living index of 90.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Barberton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Barberton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,191.77 | $5,164 | $61,972 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $715.06 | $3,099 | $37,183 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $476.71 | $2,066 | $24,789 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Barberton) | $29.79 |
| 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 Barberton, OH earn a median of $61,967 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.63% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 5.10% below the Ohio state average of $65,297.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.79/hr = $37,183/year (purchasing power: $40,996).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,972/year (purchasing power: $68,327).
CoL index: 90.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.66/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.98/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.79/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Barberton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.66/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.23/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.74/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.75/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.86/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.33/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.98/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.79/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.63/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Barberton grew 17.5% from $24.66/hr (2019) to $28.98/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.63/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 Barberton 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 Barberton
For those considering part-time or per-diem work, the financial outlook varies significantly. A 3-day workweek at $29.79 results in an annual income substantially less than full-time COTAs, who benefit from consistent hours and likely higher overall earnings. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Barberton can range from $30 to $45 per hour, with specialized roles often fetching up to $1,700 per week in travel assignments. Different employer types offer varying hourly rates; for instance, skilled nursing facilities might provide lower wages compared to outpatient clinics that may offer better rates to attract experienced professionals. Employment benefits like health insurance might prompt COTAs to select slightly lower-paying roles to gain job security, despite the allure of higher hourly wages elsewhere. When negotiating pay in Barberton, professionals should emphasize their unique skills, experience level, and explore the current funding situation impacting salaries, particularly given the lingering effects of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut that began in 2022.
More salary data for Barberton, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Barberton in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Barberton?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Barberton paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Barberton?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Barberton?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Ohio
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 Barberton. 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 Barberton 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