Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in West Valley City, UT: $35.56 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in West Valley City, UT runs $35.56 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $73,970 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against West Valley City's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.1, 2% below national), each hour of work buys what $36.25 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $44,381 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In West Valley City, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay stands at $35.56, which is just below the national median of $35.74 per hour. This competitive rate can provide a solid income for part-time or per-diem workers, especially those who find roles in environments such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and home health visits. Entry-level positions may pay around $23.81 per hour, while seasoned professionals can earn up to $44.02. These hourly estimates derive from annual salary data grouped across various experience levels, giving aspiring COTAs a clear picture of potential earnings in different therapeutic settings throughout the area.
About the West Valley City 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) | $23.81 | $190.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.01 | $232.10 |
| Median (P50) | $35.56 | $284.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.87 | $310.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.02 | $352.19 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in West Valley City
Based on $35.56/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.56/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in West Valley City, UT can expect to earn approximately $73,969 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,674. With a cost-of-living index of 98.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in West Valley City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in West Valley City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,422.48 | $6,164 | $73,969 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $853.49 | $3,698 | $44,381 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $568.99 | $2,466 | $29,588 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (West Valley City) | $35.56 |
| 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 West Valley City, UT earn a median of $73,970 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.49% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 1.40% above the Utah state average of $72,948.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.56/hr = $44,381/year (purchasing power: $45,241).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $73,969/year (purchasing power: $75,402).
CoL index: 98.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$29.43/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.59/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.56/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in West Valley City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.43/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.11/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.53/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.74/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.06/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.71/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.59/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.56/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.56/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in West Valley City grew 17.5% from $29.43/hr (2019) to $34.59/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.56/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 West Valley City 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 West Valley City
Focusing on part-time positions, an occupational therapy assistant working three days a week could expect to earn about $27,000 annually, based on a 24-hour workweek at the median hourly rate. For those considering per-diem work in West Valley City, there's a broad range of compensation, typically billed at $30 to $45 per hour. Travel contracts can even net COTAs between $1,100 and $1,700 per week. However, it's crucial to recognize that reimbursement cuts—particularly the 15% Medicare Part B reduction in 2022—have impacted pay rates in skilled nursing facilities and outpatient settings. Moreover, hourly earning potential can significantly vary based on employer type, with institutions offering benefits often paying lower rates than agencies that provide more flexibility. This situation necessitates skills in negotiation; it’s advisable to discuss benefits and job responsibilities clearly to maximize compensation. The local context of West Valley City emphasizes the importance of balancing pay with job security and healthcare options for occupational therapy assistants.
More salary data for West Valley City, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in West Valley City in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in West Valley City?
Are occupational therapy assistants in West Valley City paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in West Valley City?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in West Valley City?
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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 West Valley City. 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 West Valley City 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