Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in St. George, UT: $34.26 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in St. George, UT runs $34.26 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $71,245 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against St. George's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.1, 2% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.92 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,752 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In St. George, Utah, the projected hourly pay for an occupational therapy assistant is $34.26, slightly below the national median of $35.74. This rate can yield significant income for part-time and per-diem workers, especially in settings such as skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and schools where flexible hours are common. For a part-time schedule of three days a week, typically around 24 hours, this hourly rate translates into a substantial income over time, allowing professionals to maintain a work-life balance while still earning a competitive salary. Entry-level positions may start around $25.03 per hour, while seasoned professionals can earn up to $43.81, reflecting the variability in experience and job responsibilities within the region.
About the St. George 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) | $25.03 | $200.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.56 | $236.46 |
| Median (P50) | $34.26 | $274.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.41 | $307.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.81 | $350.46 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in St. George
Based on $34.26/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.26/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in St. George, UT can expect to earn approximately $71,253 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,108. With a cost-of-living index of 98.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in St. George.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in St. George
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,370.25 | $5,938 | $71,253 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $822.15 | $3,563 | $42,752 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $548.10 | $2,375 | $28,501 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (St. George) | $34.26 |
| 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 St. George, UT earn a median of $71,245 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.15% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 2.30% below the Utah state average of $72,922.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.26/hr = $42,752/year (purchasing power: $43,580).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $71,253/year (purchasing power: $72,633).
CoL index: 98.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$28.35/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.32/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.26/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in St. George (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.35/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.01/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.45/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.61/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.88/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.65/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.32/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.26/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.22/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in St. George grew 17.5% from $28.35/hr (2019) to $33.32/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.22/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 St. George 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 St. George
Considering the dynamics of part-time versus full-time roles, an occupational therapy assistant working 24 hours a week can expect to earn around $42,609 annually, which may be appealing for those balancing other commitments. Many COTAs also explore per-diem opportunities, with pay rates generally spanning between $30-$45 per hour. Travel contracts offer even more enticing compensation, ranging from $1,100 to $1,700 weekly, but these positions have become competitive following the 15% Medicare reimbursement cuts that impacted many SNF and outpatient settings starting in 2022. Each workplace type influences hourly rates; for instance, those employed by school districts may receive lower hourly compensation compared to agencies due to added benefits such as health insurance. Ultimately, balancing hourly pay with job security and benefits is a common consideration for occupational therapy assistants in St. George, where knowing the local market can provide leverage in salary negotiations.
More salary data for St. George, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in St. George in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in St. George?
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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 St. George. 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 St. George 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