Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Philadelphia, PA: $37.78 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Philadelphia, PA runs $37.78 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $78,588 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Philadelphia's regional price level (BEA RPP 102.6, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.84 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,153 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Philadelphia, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay reflects a strong position in the job market, with a median hourly rate of $37.78, which is higher than the national hourly median of $35.74. This competitive rate makes opportunities appealing for both part-time and per-diem COTAs, especially those working in settings like skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and home health environments. With an hourly range starting around $30.10 for entry-level positions and reaching up to $39.95 for experienced practitioners, occupational therapy assistants in Philadelphia can expect a lucrative career while still enjoying flexibility. These figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, showcasing the area’s demand for qualified professionals.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30.10 | $240.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.17 | $257.35 |
| Median (P50) | $37.78 | $302.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.96 | $303.66 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.95 | $319.62 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Philadelphia
Based on $37.78/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.78/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Philadelphia, PA can expect to earn approximately $78,588 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,339. With a cost-of-living index of 102.55 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Philadelphia.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Philadelphia
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,511.31 | $6,549 | $78,588 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $906.78 | $3,929 | $47,153 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $604.52 | $2,620 | $31,435 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Philadelphia) | $37.78 |
| 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 Philadelphia, PA earn a median of $78,588 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.73% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 19.50% above the Pennsylvania state average of $65,764.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.78/hr = $47,153/year (purchasing power: $45,978).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $78,588/year (purchasing power: $76,631).
CoL index: 102.554 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.26/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.75/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.78/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+32.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Philadelphia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.26/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.44/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.41/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.15/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.58/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.82/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.75/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.78/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.84/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Philadelphia grew 25.6% from $29.26/hr (2019) to $36.75/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.84/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 Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia
When considering a 3-day workweek, an occupational therapy assistant in Philadelphia effectively brings home a substantial income, significantly benefiting from the hourly structure. Typically, those in per-diem roles can earn between $30 and $45 per hour, which offers flexibility but may come with a trade-off in benefits and job security. For those on travel contracts, earnings can range from $1,100 to $1,700 per week, providing lucrative opportunities, although the post-2022 reimbursement cuts have led to higher premium pay demands in skilled nursing facilities. Differences in hourly rates across employer types, such as outpatient clinics and early intervention programs, highlight the need for COTAs to consider the full employment package. Some assistants may choose positions with lower hourly pay to secure health insurance, showcasing the balance between immediate earnings and long-term benefits. Negotiating your hourly rate can depend on local demand, recent Medicare changes affecting reimbursement, and your skill set, making it essential to approach salary discussions with well-researched expectations in mind.
More salary data for Philadelphia, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Philadelphia in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Philadelphia?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Philadelphia paid hourly or salary?
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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 Philadelphia. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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