Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Payson, UT: $32.92 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Payson, UT runs $32.92 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $68,481 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Payson's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.1, 2% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.56 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,084 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Payson, Utah, the projected hourly pay for an occupational therapy assistant in 2026 is set at $32.92, which is approximately 7.87% lower than the national median of $35.74. For occupational therapy assistants looking for part-time opportunities or per-diem work, this hourly rate allows for substantial income generation even with a limited work schedule. For instance, working three days a week typically involves around 24 hours of work, generating about $3,000 monthly before taxes. Entry-level positions may start around $23.62 per hour, while experienced professionals can potentially earn up to $37.24 per hour in various environments, including skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, outpatient clinics, and home health settings. These hourly figures reflect estimates derived from ongoing salary analyses and are vital for budgeting and financial planning in this particular field.
About the Payson 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) | $23.62 | $188.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.80 | $238.44 |
| Median (P50) | $32.92 | $263.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.35 | $274.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.24 | $297.90 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Payson
Based on $32.92/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.92/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Payson, UT can expect to earn approximately $68,473 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,504. With a cost-of-living index of 98.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Payson.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Payson
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,316.79 | $5,706 | $68,473 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $790.07 | $3,424 | $41,084 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $526.72 | $2,282 | $27,389 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Payson) | $32.92 |
| 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 Payson, UT earn a median of $68,481 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.87% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 6.10% below the Utah state average of $72,929.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.92/hr = $41,084/year (purchasing power: $41,880).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $68,473/year (purchasing power: $69,799).
CoL index: 98.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$27.24/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.02/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.92/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Payson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.24/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.87/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.34/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.45/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.68/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.58/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.02/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.92/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.84/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Payson grew 17.5% from $27.24/hr (2019) to $32.02/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.84/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 Payson 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 Payson
For those considering a part-time commitment, working as a per diem occupational therapy assistant in Payson offers flexible earning potential. The annual income for a 3-day workweek can yield around $36,000 if consistently scheduled, a significant figure compared to full-time positions. Per-diem rates can vary significantly, with occupational therapy assistants billing agencies between $30 and $45 per hour. However, it’s essential to be aware of the impact of factors such as agency performance following the 15% Medicare Part B cut implemented in 2022, which has reduced hourly nuances for those in skilled nursing facilities. Typically, institutional settings like outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers, and school districts may offer more stability, but they often entail lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits such as health insurance. For skilled professionals negotiating pay, being upfront about expectations and understanding the value one brings to their role in various settings can pave the way for better compensation outcomes.
More salary data for Payson, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Payson in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Payson?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Payson paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Payson?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Payson?
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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 Payson. 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 Payson 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