Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Orem, UT: $29.97 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Orem, UT runs $29.97 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,339 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Orem's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.1, 2% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.55 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,401 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Orem, Utah, occupational therapy assistants are projected to earn a median hourly wage of $29.97 in 2026, which is noticeably lower than the national hourly median of $35.74. This pay level influences not only full-time employment opportunities but also part-time and per-diem work arrangements, often found in settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, outpatient clinics, and schools. Part-time COTAs working three days a week can fit into a flexible schedule, which is appealing for many individuals seeking work-life balance. Entry-level assistants might see starting wages around $22.15 per hour, while those with more experience or specialized skills can earn up to $38.48, creating a diverse economic landscape within Orem's healthcare sector. It’s essential to consider that these hourly rates are derived from annual salary data and reflect local labor market conditions.
About the Orem 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) | $22.15 | $177.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.96 | $207.68 |
| Median (P50) | $29.97 | $239.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.70 | $269.61 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.48 | $307.85 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Orem
Based on $29.97/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.97/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Orem, UT can expect to earn approximately $62,336 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,963. With a cost-of-living index of 98.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Orem.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Orem
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,198.76 | $5,195 | $62,336 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $719.26 | $3,117 | $37,401 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $479.51 | $2,078 | $24,934 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Orem) | $29.97 |
| 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 Orem, UT earn a median of $62,339 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.13% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 14.50% below the Utah state average of $72,911.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.97/hr = $37,401/year (purchasing power: $38,126).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,336/year (purchasing power: $63,543).
CoL index: 98.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.80/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.15/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.97/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Orem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.80/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.38/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.89/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.90/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.02/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.72/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.15/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.97/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.81/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Orem grew 17.5% from $24.80/hr (2019) to $29.15/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.81/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 Orem 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 Orem
When examining the earning potential for part-time occupational therapy assistants in Orem, those working a three-day, 24-hour week could realistically expect to bring home approximately $46,600 annually, which is significantly lower than full-time counterparts. Per-diem COTAs in Orem have the opportunity to bill between $30 and $45 per hour, offering a flexible income source, particularly appealing for those seeking temporary positions or varied experiences. While traditional roles like those in skilled nursing facilities might offer steady employment, they sometimes also come with lower hourly rates, especially following the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut for OTA-provided services that began in 2022. In contrast, COTAs working under contracts with school districts or engaging in travel positions can see more favorable rates. Benefits play a crucial role in decisions, as some occupational therapy assistants may choose lower hourly pay in exchange for health insurance coverage. For those negotiating hourly rates in Orem, understanding employer expectations and leveraging evidence from similar roles can lead to more favorable outcomes.
More salary data for Orem, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Orem in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Orem?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Orem paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Orem?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Orem?
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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 Orem. 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 Orem 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