Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Altus, OK: $30.12 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Altus, OK runs $30.12 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,650 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Altus's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.9, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.88 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,594 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Altus, Oklahoma, the projected occupational therapy assistant hourly pay stands at $30.12, which is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $35.74. This discrepancy highlights the financial landscape for practitioners in this field, particularly for those working in various settings such as skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and schools. For part-time occupational therapy assistants working three days a week, or about 24 hours, the hourly rate yields a solid but less competitive income. New entrants can expect to earn roughly $22.06 per hour, while more experienced professionals may command rates up to $36.32. It’s important to note that these figures are estimates based on annual salary data, reflecting the variability in compensation across the profession in Altus.
About the Altus Market
Salary estimated from Oklahoma average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.06 | $176.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.75 | $206.03 |
| Median (P50) | $30.12 | $240.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.14 | $249.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.32 | $290.58 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Altus
Based on $30.12/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.12/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Altus, OK can expect to earn approximately $62,657 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,148. With a cost-of-living index of 88.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Altus.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Altus
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,204.93 | $5,221 | $62,657 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $722.96 | $3,133 | $37,594 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $481.97 | $2,089 | $25,063 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Altus) | $30.12 |
| 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 Altus, OK earn a median of $62,650 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.72% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 5.20% below the Oklahoma state average of $66,087.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.12/hr = $37,594/year (purchasing power: $42,288).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,657/year (purchasing power: $70,480).
CoL index: 88.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.93/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.30/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.12/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Altus (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.93/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.51/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.02/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.04/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.16/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.74/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.30/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.12/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.97/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Altus grew 17.5% from $24.93/hr (2019) to $29.30/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.97/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 Altus 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 Altus
Considering part-time work, an occupational therapy assistant in Altus working for 24 hours a week would generate an annual take-home income significantly lower than that of full-time practitioners, who are likely to earn closer to the higher end of the hourly range. For those considering per diem positions, the pay can vary widely; positions may bill around $30 to $45 per hour, while travel contracts tend to offer more competitive compensation, ranging from $1,100 to $1,700 weekly. The recent changes in reimbursement for skilled nursing facilities have impacted agency positions, leading to lower premium rates compared to the years preceding 2022. The type of employer can also influence hourly rates—school contracts may offer steadier pay but less per-hour than home health agencies that often require flexibility. When negotiating pay, it’s advisable for occupational therapy assistants in Altus to weigh the benefits associated with lower hourly rates against the higher pay linked to positions without health insurance.
More salary data for Altus, OK:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Altus in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Altus?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Altus paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Altus?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Altus?
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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 Altus. 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 Altus 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