Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Elyria, OH: $30.32 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Elyria, OH runs $30.32 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,057 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Elyria's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.43 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,838 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Elyria, Ohio, occupational therapy assistants enjoy a median hourly pay of $30.32, which falls short of the national median of $35.74. This hourly rate presents several possibilities for both part-time and per-diem professionals within the field. For those working three days a week, predominantly in settings like skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and home health visits, the pay provides a reasonable living but may pose challenges when trying to cover expenses fully. The pay range for entry-level positions starts at approximately $21.74, while experienced professionals at the high end can earn up to $37.00 per hour, showcasing a clear delineation in earnings based on experience and workplace setting. Estimates indicate the hourly pay rates are derived from corresponding annual salary statistics, reflecting the broader economic landscape for occupational therapy services in Ohio.
About the Elyria 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) | $21.74 | $173.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.76 | $206.11 |
| Median (P50) | $30.32 | $242.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.94 | $263.52 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.00 | $296.01 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Elyria
Based on $30.32/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.32/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Elyria, OH can expect to earn approximately $63,063 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,382. With a cost-of-living index of 90.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Elyria.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Elyria
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,212.75 | $5,255 | $63,063 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $727.65 | $3,153 | $37,838 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $485.10 | $2,102 | $25,225 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Elyria) | $30.32 |
| 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 Elyria, OH earn a median of $63,057 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.17% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 3.40% below the Ohio state average of $65,277.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.32/hr = $37,838/year (purchasing power: $41,717).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,063/year (purchasing power: $69,529).
CoL index: 90.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.09/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.49/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.32/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Elyria (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.09/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.67/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.18/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.21/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.33/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.81/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.49/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.32/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.17/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Elyria grew 17.5% from $25.09/hr (2019) to $29.49/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.17/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 Elyria 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 Elyria
Part-time occupational therapy assistants working 24 hours a week can see significant differences in annual earnings compared to their full-time counterparts. While full-time positions may provide higher overall compensation, part-time workers can tailor their schedules to meet personal needs, keeping in mind that most COTAs receive lower hourly rates if they prioritize health benefits through an employer. Per-diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Elyria typically fluctuates between $30-$45 per hour, which varies depending on the contracting agency and specific assignments. Travel contracts also present lucrative opportunities, ranging from $1,100 to $1,700 per week. However, occupational therapy assistants must understand that the recent 15% Medicare reimbursement cut has affected earning potential, particularly in skilled nursing facilities and outpatient settings. For many, it remains essential to negotiate effectively, ensuring fair compensation for their skill set while considering the trade-offs in benefits that come with full-time positions compared to more flexible per diem roles.
More salary data for Elyria, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Elyria in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Elyria?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Elyria paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Elyria?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Elyria?
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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 Elyria. 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 Elyria 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