Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Lorain, OH: $31.72 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Lorain, OH runs $31.72 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,968 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Lorain's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.97 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,583 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lorain, Ohio, the hourly pay for occupational therapy assistants is projected to be $31.72 in 2026, which is somewhat lower than the national average of $35.74. This difference can impact part-time workers significantly; those working three days a week can expect to earn around $1,520 monthly if they maintain a consistent schedule. Settings for these positions typically range from skilled nursing facilities to outpatient clinics and home health visits, with entry-level occupational therapy assistants earning about $21.54 per hour and top earners potentially reaching $38.31 per hour. This variability in pay is largely influenced by experience, location, and the specific type of care provided. The hourly rates illustrated here are derived from annual salary estimations and reflect the overall compensation landscape for occupational therapy assistants in the area.
About the Lorain 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) | $21.54 | $172.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.97 | $223.80 |
| Median (P50) | $31.72 | $253.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.30 | $274.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.31 | $306.46 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lorain
Based on $31.72/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.72/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lorain, OH can expect to earn approximately $65,971 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,060. With a cost-of-living index of 90.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lorain.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lorain
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,268.68 | $5,498 | $65,971 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $761.21 | $3,299 | $39,583 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $507.47 | $2,199 | $26,388 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Lorain) | $31.72 |
| 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 Lorain, OH earn a median of $65,968 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.25% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 1.10% above the Ohio state average of $65,250.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.72/hr = $39,583/year (purchasing power: $43,641).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,971/year (purchasing power: $72,736).
CoL index: 90.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.25/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.85/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.72/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Lorain (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.25/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.86/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.34/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.42/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.59/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.09/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.85/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.72/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.61/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Lorain grew 17.5% from $26.25/hr (2019) to $30.85/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.61/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 Lorain 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 Lorain
When considering the part-time potential for an occupational therapy assistant in Lorain, working 24 hours per week could yield an annual take-home pay significantly lower than full-time equivalents. This makes the appeal of per diem work notable, as per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Lorain can be billed between $30 and $45 per hour. Travel positions tend to offer higher compensation, with contracts ranging from $1,100 to $1,700 per week, although recent reimbursement cuts have affected rates in skilled nursing facilities. The type of employer heavily influences the pay structure, with agencies, hospitals, schools, and home health settings all offering varied compensation packages. While some may opt for lower hourly rates to secure health insurance benefits, others prioritize higher pay without benefits. For negotiators, understanding local market rates and the balance between pay and benefits will be essential for achieving desired compensation in Lorain’s occupational therapy landscape.
More salary data for Lorain, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Lorain in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Lorain?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Lorain paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Lorain?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Lorain?
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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 Lorain. 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 Lorain 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