Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Claremore, OK: $30.27 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Claremore, OK runs $30.27 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,964 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Claremore's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.9, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.05 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,774 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Claremore, Oklahoma, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay is projected at $30.27 in 2026, which falls below the national median of $35.74 per hour. This difference can impact part-time professionals, especially those working three days a week, who may find the rate suitable for their lifestyle but less advantageous compared to national averages. Part-time positions are often filled in settings like skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, and outpatient clinics. Entry-level positions may start at approximately $22.43 per hour, while experienced professionals can earn up to $34.99 per hour. With the lower local cost of living index at 88.9, these hourly rates can offer a reasonable standard of living for Claremore residents, though the pay might not match what is available in larger cities.
About the Claremore 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) | $22.43 | $179.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.07 | $208.58 |
| Median (P50) | $30.27 | $242.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.12 | $256.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.99 | $279.89 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Claremore
Based on $30.27/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.27/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Claremore, OK can expect to earn approximately $62,956 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,321. With a cost-of-living index of 88.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Claremore.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Claremore
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,210.69 | $5,246 | $62,956 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $726.41 | $3,148 | $37,774 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $484.28 | $2,099 | $25,182 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Claremore) | $30.27 |
| 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 Claremore, OK earn a median of $62,964 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.29% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 4.70% below the Oklahoma state average of $66,069.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.27/hr = $37,774/year (purchasing power: $42,490).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,956/year (purchasing power: $70,817).
CoL index: 88.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.05/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.44/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.27/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Claremore (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.05/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.63/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.14/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.16/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.29/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.88/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.44/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.27/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.12/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Claremore grew 17.5% from $25.05/hr (2019) to $29.44/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.12/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 Claremore 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 Claremore
For those considering a part-time or per-diem role as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) in Claremore, the landscape presents varying financial opportunities. A COTA working three days a week (for about 24 hours) could expect an annual income that contrasts sharply with full-time earnings, typically resulting in less financial security but more flexibility. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Claremore generally varies, with practitioners charging between $30 and $45 per hour, depending on their skill set and location. Travel contracts for occupational therapy assistants can yield substantial weekly earnings, ranging from $1,100 to $1,700. Skilled nursing facility roles may see hours cut or pay rates decline due to reimbursement changes since 2022, making it crucial to evaluate the benefits trade-off. COTAs might choose lower hourly rates with benefits such as health insurance over better hourly pay without them. Negotiation is key in this environment; understanding local pay scales and emphasizing unique skills can help prospective employees secure better compensation.
More salary data for Claremore, OK:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Claremore in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Claremore?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Claremore paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Claremore?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Claremore?
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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 Claremore. 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 Claremore 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