Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Wadsworth, OH: $28.93 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Wadsworth, OH runs $28.93 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,167 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Wadsworth's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.90 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,106 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in Wadsworth, OH, can expect a median hourly pay of $28.93 in 2026, which contrasts with the national hourly median of $35.74. This difference highlights the varying earning potential within the state versus the broader job market. For those working part-time or in per-diem roles—common in settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, and outpatient clinics—their pay can still be appealing. With entry-level positions starting around $22.19 per hour and experienced professionals earning up to $33.44, numerous opportunities exist for flexibility in work hours. The annual compensation translated into hourly pay offers a streamlined approach for deciding on a career path or part-time work in occupational therapy.
About the Wadsworth 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) | $22.19 | $177.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.53 | $204.22 |
| Median (P50) | $28.93 | $231.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.24 | $249.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $33.44 | $267.55 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wadsworth
Based on $28.93/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.93/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wadsworth, OH can expect to earn approximately $60,176 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,717. With a cost-of-living index of 90.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wadsworth.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wadsworth
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,157.23 | $5,015 | $60,176 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $694.34 | $3,009 | $36,106 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $462.89 | $2,006 | $24,070 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Wadsworth) | $28.93 |
| 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 Wadsworth, OH earn a median of $60,167 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.06% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 7.80% below the Ohio state average of $65,258.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.93/hr = $36,106/year (purchasing power: $39,808).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,176/year (purchasing power: $66,346).
CoL index: 90.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.94/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.14/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.93/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Wadsworth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.94/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.50/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.03/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.01/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.08/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.53/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.14/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.93/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.74/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Wadsworth grew 17.5% from $23.94/hr (2019) to $28.14/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.74/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 Wadsworth 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 Wadsworth
Delving into the earning potential of part-time occupational therapy assistants, those working three days a week, which amounts to about 24 hours, could earn approximately $35,000 annually, significantly lower than full-time colleagues. Per diem opportunities also present distinct financial dynamics. Typically ranging from $30 to $45 per hour, per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Wadsworth can be lucrative, especially for those willing to explore travel contracts that might offer weekly compensation between $1,100 and $1,700. However, since reimbursement rates for occupational therapy services have fluctuated post-2022, compensation in some traditional settings, like skilled nursing facilities, might remain compressed. The choice to work for higher hourly pay without benefits versus a slightly lower hourly rate with healthcare coverage remains a critical consideration for many COTAs. Negotiation strategies become essential, especially in Wadsworth's local market, where understanding the demand from specific employer types—like school districts versus outpatient clinics—can make a significant difference in securing favorable pay and conditions.
More salary data for Wadsworth, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Wadsworth in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Wadsworth?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Wadsworth paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Wadsworth?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Wadsworth?
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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 Wadsworth. 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 Wadsworth 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