Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Marion, OH: $29.89 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Marion, OH runs $29.89 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,169 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Marion's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.95 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,299 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Marion, Ohio, those working as occupational therapy assistants can expect a median hourly pay of $29.89, which is notably lower than the national median of $35.74. This rate is reflective of the unique job market in Marion and provides a solid foundation for both part-time and per-diem workers. For example, an occupational therapy assistant working three days a week can enjoy flexibility while earning a stable income, which can significantly contribute to their financial goals without the burnout of a full-time position. The estimated hourly range for occupational therapy assistants in the area spans from $22.37 for entry-level positions to $35.64 for experienced professionals specializing in settings like skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, and outpatient clinics. It’s important to note that these hourly figures are derived from projected salary data, which helps illuminate the financial landscape for this growing field.
About the Marion 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) | $22.37 | $178.97 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.01 | $208.09 |
| Median (P50) | $29.89 | $239.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.21 | $257.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.64 | $285.15 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Marion
Based on $29.89/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.89/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Marion, OH can expect to earn approximately $62,165 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,864. With a cost-of-living index of 90.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Marion.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Marion
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,195.47 | $5,180 | $62,165 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $717.28 | $3,108 | $37,299 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $478.19 | $2,072 | $24,866 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Marion) | $29.89 |
| 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 Marion, OH earn a median of $62,169 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.36% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 4.70% below the Ohio state average of $65,235.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.89/hr = $37,299/year (purchasing power: $41,123).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,165/year (purchasing power: $68,539).
CoL index: 90.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.73/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.07/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.89/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Marion (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.73/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.31/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.82/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.83/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.94/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.41/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.07/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.89/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.73/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Marion grew 17.5% from $24.73/hr (2019) to $29.07/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.73/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 Marion 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 Marion
In analyzing the earning potential for occupational therapy assistants in Marion, those opting for part-time roles often take home a proportionally smaller income compared to their full-time counterparts. For instance, a COTA working 24 hours per week would yield a different annual figure than someone working full-time, often aligning with lifestyle choices that prioritize work-life balance or family responsibilities. The per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Marion generally ranges from $30 to $45 per hour, particularly for those taking agency or locum tenens contracts, which can be lucrative but include variability. However, with the 15% Medicare Part B cut affecting OTA services since 2022, many may find that skilled nursing facilities have a tighter budget, impacting compensation. Different employers can offer varying hourly rates; for example, school districts typically provide contract work that may include benefits, whereas outpatient clinics may offer higher hourly wages with less job security. Familiarity with the local market, negotiating based on skill and ongoing education, and understanding the specific contractual obligations can help occupational therapy assistants in Marion maximize their hourly rate and job satisfaction.
More salary data for Marion, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Marion in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Marion?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Marion paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Marion?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Marion?
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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 Marion. 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 Marion 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