Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Ardmore, OK: $30.06 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Ardmore, OK runs $30.06 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,537 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Ardmore's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.9, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.82 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,517 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Ardmore, Oklahoma, the projected hourly pay for an occupational therapy assistant stands at $30.06, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $35.74. This difference signifies that professionals in Ardmore may find part-time work, such as three days a week, more financially challenging than what counterparts experience elsewhere. Part-time and per-diem workers can expect to earn between $22.09 and $36.64 per hour, which can vary significantly depending on whether they’re employed in skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, clinics, or schools. Entry-level COTAs may start at the lower end of this range, while experienced practitioners might approach the higher figures, reflecting their skills and responsibilities. Understanding these dynamics is essential for anyone considering a career in the field, especially in various settings such as outpatient clinics or home health visits.
About the Ardmore 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) | $22.09 | $176.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.94 | $207.51 |
| Median (P50) | $30.06 | $240.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.81 | $262.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.64 | $293.13 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ardmore
Based on $30.06/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.06/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ardmore, OK can expect to earn approximately $62,528 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,074. With a cost-of-living index of 88.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Ardmore.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ardmore
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,202.47 | $5,211 | $62,528 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $721.48 | $3,126 | $37,517 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $480.99 | $2,084 | $25,011 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Ardmore) | $30.06 |
| 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 Ardmore, OK earn a median of $62,537 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.87% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 5.40% below the Oklahoma state average of $66,107.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.06/hr = $37,517/year (purchasing power: $42,201).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,528/year (purchasing power: $70,335).
CoL index: 88.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.88/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.24/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.06/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Ardmore (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.88/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.45/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.97/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.98/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.10/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.70/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.24/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.06/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.91/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Ardmore grew 17.5% from $24.88/hr (2019) to $29.24/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.91/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 Ardmore 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 Ardmore
When evaluating the part-time earning potential for occupational therapy assistants in Ardmore, it becomes clear that a three-day workweek totaling 24 hours can yield a significant annual income discrepancy when compared to full-time positions. While part-time professionals may earn a decent hourly wage, they typically do not accrue the same benefits that full-time staff receive, such as health insurance, which can be a critical factor when considering compensation. In some cases, per-diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Ardmore can range from $30 to $45 per hour, particularly for agency or travel work, while contracts may offer weekly pay between $1,100 and $1,700, depending on demand and location. However, due to changes in Medicare reimbursement policies following the 15% cut for OTA-provided services, some facilities may be unable or unwilling to offer premium pay. When negotiating rates, it's important for COTAs to assess the entire compensation package rather than just focusing on the hourly rate, taking into account the benefits provided by employers in different settings such as schools or specialized clinics.
More salary data for Ardmore, OK:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Ardmore in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Ardmore?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Ardmore paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Ardmore?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Ardmore?
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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 Ardmore. 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 Ardmore 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