Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Chillicothe, OH: $29.55 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Chillicothe, OH runs $29.55 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,449 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Chillicothe's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.58 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,875 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Chillicothe, Ohio, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay is projected to be $29.55 in 2026, which is notably below the national hourly median of $35.74. This wage reflects the local demand and economic conditions for COTAs working in various settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, and outpatient clinics. For part-time and per-diem workers, this hourly rate means that those working three days a week can earn a sustainable income while also paving the way to gain experience. The hourly wage range for occupational therapy assistants in Chillicothe varies significantly, from the entry-level rate at $21.19 to a top performer earning up to $35.32. Such figures are derived from annual salary estimates, allowing potential workers to gauge their earning potential in this vital healthcare role.
About the Chillicothe 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) | $21.19 | $169.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.83 | $214.67 |
| Median (P50) | $29.55 | $236.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.00 | $256.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.32 | $282.52 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chillicothe
Based on $29.55/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.55/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chillicothe, OH can expect to earn approximately $61,459 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,457. With a cost-of-living index of 90.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Chillicothe.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chillicothe
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,181.90 | $5,122 | $61,459 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $709.14 | $3,073 | $36,875 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $472.76 | $2,049 | $24,584 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Chillicothe) | $29.55 |
| 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 Chillicothe, OH earn a median of $61,449 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.33% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 5.80% below the Ohio state average of $65,232.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.55/hr = $36,875/year (purchasing power: $40,656).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,459/year (purchasing power: $67,761).
CoL index: 90.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.45/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.74/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.55/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Chillicothe (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.45/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.02/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.54/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.54/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.64/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.10/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.74/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.55/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.38/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Chillicothe grew 17.5% from $24.45/hr (2019) to $28.74/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.38/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 Chillicothe 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 Chillicothe
In terms of earnings, working part-time as an occupational therapy assistant for three days a week (approximately 24 hours) in Chillicothe could yield an annual take-home significantly lower than those employed full-time, highlighting the importance of hours worked in determining income. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in this area typically falls between $30 and $45 per hour, offering flexibility that some COTAs may prefer despite the uncertainty of consistent work. Additionally, travel contracts for COTAs can yield weekly pay between $1,100 and $1,700, providing an appealing option for those seeking higher earnings. Notably, hourly rates can fluctuate based on the type of employer—ranging from school districts to home health agencies—each with its own benefits. Many occupational therapy assistants find themselves negotiating trade-offs between higher hourly wages without benefits and more stable positions that offer health insurance. For those in Chillicothe, understanding these dynamics is crucial for effective salary negotiation and making informed career choices in a field impacted by recent healthcare reimbursement changes.
More salary data for Chillicothe, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Chillicothe in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Chillicothe?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Chillicothe paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Chillicothe?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Chillicothe?
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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 Chillicothe. 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 Chillicothe 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