Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Mitchell, SD: $31.57 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Mitchell, SD runs $31.57 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,663 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Mitchell's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.02 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,403 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in Mitchell are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $31.57 in 2026, which is significantly lower than the national median of $35.74. This difference highlights the regional economic factors impacting pay in South Dakota, where professionals might find that part-time positions, typically around three days a week, can provide a reasonable income while maintaining a flexible schedule. For those who work on a per-diem basis, typically in environments such as skilled nursing facilities or outpatient clinics, hourly pay can vary widely based on experience and specific contracting arrangements. The hourly pay range for occupational therapy assistants in Mitchell stretches from $23.38 for entry-level positions to $36.51 for those at the upper end of the scale, making it essential for aspiring COTAs to be mindful of the types of settings they pursue for potential employment.
About the Mitchell Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.38 | $187.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.15 | $217.22 |
| Median (P50) | $31.57 | $252.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.43 | $267.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.51 | $292.06 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Mitchell
Based on $31.57/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.57/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Mitchell, SD can expect to earn approximately $65,672 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,888. With a cost-of-living index of 92.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Mitchell.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Mitchell
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,262.92 | $5,473 | $65,672 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $757.75 | $3,284 | $39,403 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $505.17 | $2,189 | $26,269 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Mitchell) | $31.57 |
| 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 Mitchell, SD earn a median of $65,663 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.66% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 4.80% below the South Dakota state average of $68,973.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.57/hr = $39,403/year (purchasing power: $42,460).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,672/year (purchasing power: $70,767).
CoL index: 92.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.13/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.71/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.57/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Mitchell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.13/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.73/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.22/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.29/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.46/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.48/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.71/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.57/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.46/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Mitchell grew 17.5% from $26.13/hr (2019) to $30.71/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.46/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 Mitchell 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 Mitchell
For part-time occupational therapy assistants working 24 hours a week, the earning potential can still add up, especially when comparing their annual income to that of full-time counterparts. While full-time COTAs benefit from a steady income, part-time workers in Mitchell might find per diem roles attractive. In a per-diem capacity, COTAs often command between $30 and $45 per hour, with the added flexibility of choosing their schedules. That said, the competitive nature of the job market may drive some COTAs to accept lower hourly rates for positions that offer health insurance and other benefits. Hours can differ significantly based on the employer; for instance, rates in skilled nursing settings may be different from those in school district contracts or outpatient clinics. COTAs negotiating their pay should consider these factors while being prepared to advocate for better hourly compensation, especially in light of recent Medicare cuts that have impacted reimbursement rates in various settings.
More salary data for Mitchell, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Mitchell in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Mitchell?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Mitchell paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Mitchell?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Mitchell?
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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 Mitchell. 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 Mitchell 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