Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in American Fork, UT: $34.64 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in American Fork, UT runs $34.64 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $72,047 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against American Fork's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.1, 2% below national), each hour of work buys what $35.31 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $43,227 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In American Fork, Utah, the projected occupational therapy assistant hourly pay stands at $34.64, slightly below the national median hourly rate of $35.74. For COTAs working part-time—typically three days a week—their earning potential reflects this hourly rate, with many professionals working in diverse environments such as skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, outpatient clinics, schools, and home health settings. The hourly range extends from $25.04 at entry-level positions to about $40.51 for top earners, illustrating how experience and specialization can significantly impact compensation. These estimated hourly rates are derived from annual salary projections, providing a useful reference point for both current and aspiring occupational therapy assistants evaluating their career paths in American Fork.
About the American Fork Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25.04 | $200.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.58 | $236.63 |
| Median (P50) | $34.64 | $277.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.76 | $294.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.51 | $324.06 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in American Fork
Based on $34.64/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.64/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in American Fork, UT can expect to earn approximately $72,044 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,564. With a cost-of-living index of 98.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in American Fork.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in American Fork
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,385.47 | $6,004 | $72,044 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $831.28 | $3,602 | $43,227 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $554.19 | $2,401 | $28,818 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (American Fork) | $34.64 |
| 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 American Fork, UT earn a median of $72,047 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.07% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 1.20% below the Utah state average of $72,922.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.64/hr = $43,227/year (purchasing power: $44,064).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $72,044/year (purchasing power: $73,440).
CoL index: 98.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$28.66/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.69/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.64/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in American Fork (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.66/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.33/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.76/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.94/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.22/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.96/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.69/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.64/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.61/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in American Fork grew 17.5% from $28.66/hr (2019) to $33.69/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.61/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 American Fork 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 American Fork
Part-time occupational therapy assistants working a typical schedule of 24 hours per week might take home around $43,136 annually, significantly lower than their full-time counterparts. Per-diem occupational therapy assistant pay in American Fork can range from $30 to $45 per hour, with variability based on demand and specific contracts. Travel assignments often present more lucrative opportunities, allowing COTAs to earn between $1,100 and $1,700 weekly; however, the decline in premium pay for agency work following the 15% Medicare cut has led some professionals to reassess their employment choices. Furthermore, hourly rates can vary substantially depending on the setting, with skilled nursing facilities often offering different compensation compared to hospital rehab units or school contracts. COTAs should weigh the benefits against the hourly pay, considering health insurance offerings and opportunities for overtime as components of their overall compensation package. Effective negotiation strategies, particularly when seeking higher hourly rates in American Fork, can improve prospects, but understanding the local market and employer trends will be essential for success.
More salary data for American Fork, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in American Fork in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in American Fork?
Are occupational therapy assistants in American Fork paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in American Fork?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in American Fork?
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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 American Fork. 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 American Fork 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