Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Bend, OR: $35.95 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Bend, OR runs $35.95 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $74,774 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Bend's regional price level (BEA RPP 102.6, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.04 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $44,869 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bend, Oregon, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay is projected to be $35.95 in 2026, which slightly surpasses the national median of $35.74. This rate is significant for part-time and per-diem occupational therapy assistants who often work in various settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and even client homes. For those working three days a week, this hourly wage translates to a solid paycheck relative to many other positions in the health sector. The hourly rates can range from $26.62 for entry-level positions to $46.13 for highly experienced professionals, giving a broad spectrum of potential income based on experience and specialization.
About the Bend Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $26.62 | $212.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.17 | $249.38 |
| Median (P50) | $35.95 | $287.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.37 | $306.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.13 | $369.05 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bend
Based on $35.95/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.95/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bend, OR can expect to earn approximately $74,782 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $43,143. With a cost-of-living index of 102.60 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bend.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bend
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,438.11 | $6,232 | $74,782 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $862.86 | $3,739 | $44,869 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $575.24 | $2,493 | $29,913 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Bend) | $35.95 |
| 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 Bend, OR earn a median of $74,774 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.59% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 2.00% below the Oregon state average of $76,300.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.95/hr = $44,869/year (purchasing power: $43,732).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $74,782/year (purchasing power: $72,886).
CoL index: 102.6 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.75/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.97/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.95/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Bend (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.75/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.44/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.86/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.08/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.41/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.82/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.97/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.95/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.96/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Bend grew 17.5% from $29.75/hr (2019) to $34.97/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.96/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 Bend 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 Bend
For those considering part-time opportunities, an occupational therapy assistant working 24 hours a week could potentially earn around $43,309 annually, which can be appealing compared to full-time commitments. Per-diem occupational therapy assistants often see pay rates between $30 and $45 per hour, and travel contracts can range from $1,100 to $1,700 per week, reflecting the demand in various healthcare settings. Hourly pay can differ notably based on employer type in Bend, with skilled nursing facilities, hospital inpatient rehab, and school district contracts typically offering varying compensation levels. Some occupational therapy assistants might accept lower hourly wages for the benefits that come with full-time positions, while others prioritize higher hourly rates when seeking roles that do not include health insurance. When negotiating pay in Bend, it’s beneficial to understand local market trends and emphasize skills or certifications that align with the needs of each employer.
More salary data for Bend, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Bend in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Bend?
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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 Bend. 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 Bend 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