Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Bowling Green, OH: $31.18 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Bowling Green, OH runs $31.18 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,848 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Bowling Green's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.38 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,915 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistant hourly pay in Bowling Green, OH, stands at a median rate of $31.18, which is notably lower than the national median hourly figure of $35.74. This rate comfortably accommodates various working arrangements, making it suitable for both part-time employees, such as those working three days a week, and per-diem workers who may focus on flexible, as-needed hours. Hourly earnings in Bowling Green range from approximately $22.98 for entry-level positions to around $36.81 for experienced professionals, allowing for a meaningful earning potential across various care settings, including skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and home health visits. It’s essential to remember that these hourly rates are derived from annual salary data and reflect the local market's dynamics.
About the Bowling Green 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) | $22.98 | $183.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.84 | $214.75 |
| Median (P50) | $31.18 | $249.46 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.30 | $266.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.81 | $294.45 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bowling Green
Based on $31.18/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.18/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bowling Green, OH can expect to earn approximately $64,859 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,419. With a cost-of-living index of 90.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Bowling Green.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bowling Green
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,247.29 | $5,405 | $64,859 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $748.37 | $3,243 | $38,915 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $498.92 | $2,162 | $25,944 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Bowling Green) | $31.18 |
| 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 Bowling Green, OH earn a median of $64,848 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.76% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 0.60% below the Ohio state average of $65,240.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.18/hr = $38,915/year (purchasing power: $42,906).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,859/year (purchasing power: $71,510).
CoL index: 90.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.80/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.33/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.18/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Bowling Green (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.80/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.40/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.90/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.95/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.11/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.60/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.33/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.18/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.06/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Bowling Green grew 17.5% from $25.80/hr (2019) to $30.33/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.06/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 Bowling Green 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 Bowling Green
Looking at full-time versus part-time opportunities sheds light on the earning potential of occupational therapy assistants. A COTA working three days a week may bring home about $48,158 annually, a stark contrast to someone working full-time who could see earnings significantly higher. For those considering per-diem work, the reality is that per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Bowling Green usually fluctuates between $30 and $45, with travel positions fetching between $1,100 and $1,700 weekly. Hourly rates can vary significantly among employer types; COTAs in skilled nursing facilities or hospitals may face lower compensation due to the 15% Medicare cut affecting reimbursement rates post-2022, while school contracts or outpatient clinics might offer different pay scales, sometimes including benefits like health insurance. Balancing higher hourly wages with benefit packages often becomes a critical consideration. Negotiation strategies for hourly workers in Bowling Green may focus on emphasizing experience, flexibility, and the added value their services bring to different settings.
More salary data for Bowling Green, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Bowling Green in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Bowling Green?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Bowling Green paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Bowling Green?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Bowling Green?
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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 Bowling Green. 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 Bowling Green 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