Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Chambersburg, PA: $30.23 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Chambersburg, PA runs $30.23 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,878 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Chambersburg's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.4, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.03 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,722 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, the projected hourly pay for an occupational therapy assistant (COTA) is $30.23 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median of $35.74 per hour. This discrepancy reflects local economic conditions and the specific demands of healthcare facilities in the area. For part-time workers, such as those employed three days a week, this amounts to approximately $1,290 weekly, which can cover living expenses but may not be enough for those with significant financial commitments. Additionally, the hourly rate ranges from $22.48 for entry-level positions to $35.22 for those at the top of their pay scale. Various settings where COTAs work, including skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, and outpatient clinics, can influence these rates based on demand and funding structures.
About the Chambersburg Market
Salary estimated from Pennsylvania average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.48 | $179.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.18 | $209.40 |
| Median (P50) | $30.23 | $241.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.18 | $257.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.22 | $281.78 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chambersburg
Based on $30.23/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.23/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chambersburg, PA can expect to earn approximately $62,870 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,271. With a cost-of-living index of 97.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Chambersburg.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chambersburg
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,209.05 | $5,239 | $62,870 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $725.43 | $3,144 | $37,722 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $483.62 | $2,096 | $25,148 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Chambersburg) | $30.23 |
| 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 Chambersburg, PA earn a median of $62,878 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.41% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 4.40% below the Pennsylvania state average of $65,772.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.23/hr = $37,722/year (purchasing power: $38,729).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,870/year (purchasing power: $64,549).
CoL index: 97.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$29.81/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.40/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.23/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+4.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Chambersburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.81/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.59/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.10/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.43/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.25/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.23/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.40/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.23/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.08/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Chambersburg grew -1.4% from $29.81/hr (2019) to $29.40/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.08/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 Chambersburg 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 Chambersburg
When considering potential earnings as an occupational therapy assistant in Chambersburg, those working part-time for 24 hours a week may earn around $33,690 annually, which contrasts sharply with full-time earnings. For per-diem positions, the pay typically fluctuates between $30-$45 per hour, making it a viable option for many. However, travel contracts can yield higher earnings ranging from $1,100 to $1,700 per week, attracting COTAs looking for flexible work. In Chambersburg, pay varies significantly based on the employer type; positions in skilled nursing facilities often offer less hourly pay compared to hospital settings or private outpatient practices, where benefits may be more limited. This return can prompt some assistants to accept lower-pay roles to secure health insurance. Negotiating hourly pay effectively requires understanding local industry standards and highlighting one’s experience and specialized skills, especially in light of recent Medicare cuts impacting reimbursement for services.
More salary data for Chambersburg, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Chambersburg in 2026?
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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 Chambersburg. 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 Chambersburg 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