Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Lebanon, PA: $31.15 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Lebanon, PA runs $31.15 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,787 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Lebanon's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.4, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.98 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,877 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lebanon, Pennsylvania, the projected occupational therapy assistant hourly pay in 2026 stands at $31.15, which highlights a notable disparity when compared to the national average hourly rate of $35.74. For those working part-time schedules, such as three days a week, this translates to a solid income potential while allowing for flexible hours. Common environments like skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, outpatient clinics, and school therapy rooms often employ these professionals. The hourly range for occupational therapy assistants in this region varies from $22.51 at entry-level positions to $36.25 for experienced practitioners, illustrating the potential for growth within the field. The hourly rates provided are estimated based on annual salary projections, reflecting a practice consistent with market expectations.
About the Lebanon 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) | $22.51 | $180.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.70 | $221.58 |
| Median (P50) | $31.15 | $249.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.95 | $263.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.25 | $290.01 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lebanon
Based on $31.15/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.15/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lebanon, PA can expect to earn approximately $64,795 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,382. With a cost-of-living index of 97.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lebanon.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lebanon
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,246.06 | $5,400 | $64,795 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $747.63 | $3,240 | $38,877 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $498.42 | $2,160 | $25,918 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Lebanon) | $31.15 |
| 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 Lebanon, PA earn a median of $64,787 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.84% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 1.50% below the Pennsylvania state average of $65,773.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.15/hr = $38,877/year (purchasing power: $39,915).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,795/year (purchasing power: $66,525).
CoL index: 97.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$29.16/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.30/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.15/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+9.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Lebanon (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.16/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.38/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.87/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.93/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.08/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.45/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.30/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.15/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.03/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Lebanon grew 3.9% from $29.16/hr (2019) to $30.30/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.03/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 Lebanon 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 Lebanon
Earning potential as an occupational therapy assistant can vary significantly based on work arrangements in Lebanon. A part-time employee working 24 hours a week at the projected rate might see an annual income markedly lower than a full-time counterpart, impacting lifestyle choices and financial planning. For per-diem occupational therapy assistants, the pay typically ranges from $30 to $45 per hour, allowing a more variable earnings structure; however, travel contracts may promise $1,100 to $1,700 a week, offering greater financial incentives but often requiring time away from home. Furthermore, the differences in compensation extend across various employer types, from lower rates in educational settings to potentially higher wages in outpatient clinics. While some COTAs may opt for roles that provide essential benefits despite lower hourly rates, others trading off benefits for higher pay must weigh the implications of their choices carefully. Mastering negotiation skills can be beneficial for those entering the workforce, as being informed about local market trends plays a pivotal role in securing a favorable hourly rate.
More salary data for Lebanon, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Lebanon in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Lebanon?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Lebanon paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Lebanon?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Lebanon?
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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 Lebanon. 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 Lebanon 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