Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Tigard, OR: $35.64 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Tigard, OR runs $35.64 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $74,146 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Tigard's regional price level (BEA RPP 102.6, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $34.74 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $44,484 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tigard, Oregon, the projected hourly pay for an occupational therapy assistant (COTA) stands at $35.64, closely aligning with the national median of $35.74. This hourly rate is particularly relevant for those considering part-time work or per-diem opportunities, notably within local settings such as skilled nursing facilities, rehab units, and outpatient clinics. Part-time assistants working three days a week can expect to earn significantly while enjoying flexibility in their schedules. For entry-level positions, the hourly rate begins at approximately $25.88, reaching up to $43.84 for experienced professionals in the Tigard area. These estimates, derived from annual salary expectations, provide a valuable perspective for anyone entering or working in this growing field.
About the Tigard 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) | $25.88 | $207.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.56 | $244.44 |
| Median (P50) | $35.64 | $285.15 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.02 | $312.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.84 | $350.71 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tigard
Based on $35.64/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.64/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tigard, OR can expect to earn approximately $74,140 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,773. With a cost-of-living index of 102.60 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Tigard.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tigard
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,425.77 | $6,178 | $74,140 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $855.46 | $3,707 | $44,484 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $570.31 | $2,471 | $29,656 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Tigard) | $35.64 |
| 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 Tigard, OR earn a median of $74,146 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.25% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 2.80% below the Oregon state average of $76,281.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.64/hr = $44,484/year (purchasing power: $43,357).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $74,140/year (purchasing power: $72,261).
CoL index: 102.6 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.50/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.67/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.64/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Tigard (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.50/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.18/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.60/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.81/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.13/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.53/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.67/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.64/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.65/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Tigard grew 17.5% from $29.50/hr (2019) to $34.67/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.65/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 Tigard 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 Tigard
Evaluating part-time earnings, an occupational therapy assistant in Tigard working 24 hours a week can expect annual take-home pay significantly lower than a full-time peer; however, the opportunity for more flexible schedules may be appealing. Those engaged in per diem work usually find rates that vary, with many facilities billing between $30 and $45 per hour. Moreover, travel COTA contracts can offer lucrative weekly pay ranging from $1,100 to $1,700, though the recent reimbursement cuts for skilled nursing facilities have affected premium pay. The hourly rates received can differ across various employers, such as outpatient clinics, school districts, and home health agencies, often depending on the specific needs and constraints of the setting. Some therapists may choose positions offering lower hourly rates for benefits such as health insurance, highlighting the need for negotiation when considering overall compensation packages in Tigard. Strategies for effectively negotiating can include understanding the local job market and being informed about the industry's dynamics influenced by changes like the 15% Medicare cut to services.
More salary data for Tigard, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Tigard in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Tigard?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Tigard paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Tigard?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Tigard?
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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 Tigard. 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 Tigard 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