Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Chester, PA: $30.54 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Chester, PA runs $30.54 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,542 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Chester's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.4, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.36 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,120 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in Chester, Pennsylvania, can expect a median hourly pay of $30.54, which is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $35.74. This wage provides significant opportunities for part-time work, particularly for those in typical settings like skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, or outpatient clinics. For instance, a part-time occupational therapy assistant working three days a week might balance their schedule around this hourly pay, making a respectable income while leaving room for flexibility. Hourly wages for entry-level positions start at approximately $23.62, with top earners in the field reaching around $35.48, underscoring the potential for career growth in Chester.
About the Chester 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) | $23.62 | $188.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.12 | $216.97 |
| Median (P50) | $30.54 | $244.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.27 | $258.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.48 | $283.84 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chester
Based on $30.54/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.54/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chester, PA can expect to earn approximately $63,533 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,654. With a cost-of-living index of 97.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Chester.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chester
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,221.79 | $5,294 | $63,533 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $733.08 | $3,177 | $38,120 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $488.72 | $2,118 | $25,413 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Chester) | $30.54 |
| 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 Chester, PA earn a median of $63,542 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.52% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 3.40% below the Pennsylvania state average of $65,778.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.54/hr = $38,120/year (purchasing power: $39,138).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,533/year (purchasing power: $65,229).
CoL index: 97.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.28/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.71/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.54/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Chester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.28/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.86/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.37/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.40/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.54/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.86/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.71/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.54/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.40/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Chester grew 17.5% from $25.28/hr (2019) to $29.71/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.40/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 Chester 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 Chester
When assessing the earning potential of occupational therapy assistants working part-time in Chester, those who opt for a 24-hour workweek can expect to take home considerably less than their full-time counterparts. While full-time professionals have stable annual earnings, part-time assistants may focus on per diem opportunities, which typically range from $30 to $45 per hour; however, they come with fluctuating hours and less job security. Many agencies offer competitive pay rates, with travel contracts yielding between $1,100 and $1,700 weekly. Various employer types, such as skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies, and school districts, may offer differing pay, driven by demand and funding constraints. The ongoing effects of the 15% Medicare cut on OTA services could also impact salaries, as many may choose to accept lower hourly rates for positions that provide health benefits. For those in Chester seeking to negotiate their pay, understanding local market rates and demonstrating the value of their skills can help secure optimal compensation.
More salary data for Chester, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Chester in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Chester?
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How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Chester?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Chester?
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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 Chester. 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 Chester 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