Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Easton, PA: $31.24 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Easton, PA runs $31.24 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,982 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Easton's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.4, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.08 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,992 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Easton, Pennsylvania, the projected median hourly earnings for occupational therapy assistants stand at $31.24. This figure is notably lower than the national median of $35.74. For those considering part-time positions—typically around three days a week—this hourly rate translates to about $1,371 weekly based on a 24-hour work schedule. Additionally, per-diem occupational therapy assistants in the area can expect hourly rates ranging from approximately $23.46 to $38.50 depending on their experience and specific roles, such as working in skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, or home health environments. The variation in pay reflects the financial realities faced by entry-level assistants earning closer to the lower end of the scale while top earners can reach nearly $38.50 per hour, allowing for a diverse earning potential based on hours worked and setting.
About the Easton 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) | $23.46 | $187.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.22 | $217.79 |
| Median (P50) | $31.24 | $249.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.36 | $274.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.50 | $308.02 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Easton
Based on $31.24/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.24/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Easton, PA can expect to earn approximately $64,987 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,493. With a cost-of-living index of 97.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Easton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Easton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,249.76 | $5,416 | $64,987 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $749.86 | $3,249 | $38,992 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $499.90 | $2,166 | $25,995 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Easton) | $31.24 |
| 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 Easton, PA earn a median of $64,982 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.58% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 1.20% below the Pennsylvania state average of $65,771.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.24/hr = $38,992/year (purchasing power: $40,033).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,987/year (purchasing power: $66,722).
CoL index: 97.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.85/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.39/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.24/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Easton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.85/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.46/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.95/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.01/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.17/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.46/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.39/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.24/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.12/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Easton grew 17.5% from $25.85/hr (2019) to $30.39/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.12/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 Easton 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 Easton
When examining financial prospects for occupational therapy assistants working part-time, it becomes clear that a 24-hour workweek results in an annual take-home pay that is significantly lower than that of full-time colleagues. For instance, those working part-time could find their annual earnings considerably compressed, especially when compared to the potential for full-time positions. Per-diem and agency-based occupational therapy assistants often bill between $30 and $45 per hour, with travel contracts offering weekly stipends ranging from $1,100 to $1,700, although recent cuts in reimbursement have led to lower premiums in skilled nursing facilities. Moreover, hourly compensation can fluctuate based on the employment setting, with school district contracts typically offering different packages compared to outpatient clinic positions. Occupational therapy assistants may also face the trade-off of accepting lower rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance. For those in the profession, practical negotiation strategies in Easton often revolve around emphasizing experience and flexibility, especially given how competitive the market has become post-2022 due to shifts in Medicare reimbursements.
More salary data for Easton, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Easton in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Easton?
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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 Easton. 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 Easton 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