Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Happy Valley, OR: $34.87 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Happy Valley, OR runs $34.87 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $72,528 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Happy Valley's regional price level (BEA RPP 102.6, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $33.99 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $43,522 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Happy Valley, Oregon, the median hourly rate for an occupational therapy assistant is projected to be $34.87 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $35.74. This figure is particularly significant for part-time workers, who often find employment in diverse settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, outpatient clinics, and school therapy environments. For those who may prefer a flexible schedule or work per diem, the hourly pay can vary widely—from $25.72 at entry-level positions to $42.27 for top earners in the field. These rates are based on estimates derived from annual salary data, showcasing the financial opportunities available to occupational therapy assistants in Happy Valley.
About the Happy Valley 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) | $25.72 | $205.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.95 | $239.59 |
| Median (P50) | $34.87 | $278.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.18 | $289.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.27 | $338.12 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Happy Valley
Based on $34.87/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.87/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Happy Valley, OR can expect to earn approximately $72,536 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,848. With a cost-of-living index of 102.60 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Happy Valley.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Happy Valley
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,394.93 | $6,045 | $72,536 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $836.96 | $3,627 | $43,522 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $557.97 | $2,418 | $29,014 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Happy Valley) | $34.87 |
| 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 Happy Valley, OR earn a median of $72,528 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.43% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 4.90% below the Oregon state average of $76,265.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.87/hr = $43,522/year (purchasing power: $42,419).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $72,536/year (purchasing power: $70,698).
CoL index: 102.6 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.86/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.92/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.87/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Happy Valley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.86/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.53/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.96/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.14/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.44/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.78/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.92/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.87/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.85/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Happy Valley grew 17.5% from $28.86/hr (2019) to $33.92/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.85/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 Happy Valley 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 Happy Valley
Examining the part-time landscape, an occupational therapy assistant working three days a week can expect to take home around $41,534 annually, which is a substantial income compared to full-time positions. In the dynamic world of per diem care, the per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Happy Valley typically ranges from $30 to $45 per hour, while travel contracts can yield $1,100 to $1,700 weekly. However, following the 15% Medicare cut in 2022, many skilled nursing facilities have tightened their pay, leading to varying rates depending on the employer type. For example, hospital settings may offer competitive wages, while school district contracts often provide additional benefits that can justify lower pay. When negotiating, it's essential for occupational therapy assistants to weigh the benefit of consistent hours and health insurance against the potential for higher pay without benefits—in an industry where such insights can guide financial decisions and career paths effectively.
More salary data for Happy Valley, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Happy Valley in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Happy Valley?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Happy Valley paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Happy Valley?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Happy Valley?
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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 Happy Valley. 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 Happy Valley 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