Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Murray, UT: $35.45 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Murray, UT runs $35.45 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $73,735 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Murray's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.1, 2% below national), each hour of work buys what $36.14 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $44,240 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Murray, Utah, the projected median hourly pay for occupational therapy assistants is $35.45, which is slightly lower than the national median hourly rate of $35.74. This hourly figure holds significance for part-time workers who may find themselves in various settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, or school therapy rooms. Those opting for part-time roles, particularly on a 3-day workweek, can expect to earn a solid wage that enables a decent lifestyle even while working fewer hours. Additionally, entry-level positions might start around $24.19 per hour, while more experienced professionals, particularly those employed in specialized areas, have the potential to earn up to $45.27, reflecting the diverse earning possibilities available within the Murray area. It's crucial to note that these hourly rates are estimated figures derived from annual salary data.
About the Murray 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) | $24.19 | $193.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.21 | $233.67 |
| Median (P50) | $35.45 | $283.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.72 | $317.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.27 | $362.14 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Murray
Based on $35.45/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.45/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Murray, UT can expect to earn approximately $73,734 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,539. With a cost-of-living index of 98.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Murray.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Murray
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,417.96 | $6,144 | $73,734 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $850.77 | $3,687 | $44,240 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $567.18 | $2,458 | $29,493 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Murray) | $35.45 |
| 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 Murray, UT earn a median of $73,735 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.80% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 1.10% above the Utah state average of $72,933.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.45/hr = $44,240/year (purchasing power: $45,097).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $73,734/year (purchasing power: $75,162).
CoL index: 98.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$29.33/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.48/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.45/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Murray (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.33/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.02/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.44/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.64/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.96/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.13/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.48/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.45/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.45/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Murray grew 17.5% from $29.33/hr (2019) to $34.48/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.45/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 Murray 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 Murray
Exploring part-time earning potential, a 24-hour workweek for a Murray-based occupational therapy assistant translates to an annual income significantly lower than that of full-time colleagues. Compared to full-time roles, staff COTAs tend to generate around $43,743 annually, allowing for flexibility that some may prefer while balancing personal commitments. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Murray typically ranges from $30 to $45 per hour, which appeals to those preferring more control over their schedule. However, travel contracts can offer enticing weekly earnings between $1,100 and $1,700, although the recent decline in agency COTA premiums due to the 2022 reimbursement cuts has affected overall pay in skilled nursing facilities. The pay rates can also fluctuate depending on the type of employer, with school districts and outpatient clinics offering varied compensation. While some COTAs may accept lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits like health insurance, others might opt for higher hourly rates without such advantages. For negotiation, it’s wise for prospective assistants to research compensation benchmarks in their specific field, emphasizing their unique qualifications and experiences to maximize their earning potential.
More salary data for Murray, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Murray in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Murray?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Murray paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Murray?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Murray?
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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 Murray. 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 Murray 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