Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Bristol, VA: $32.39 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Bristol, VA runs $32.39 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $67,354 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Bristol's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $31.38 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,417 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bristol, Virginia, the hourly compensation for occupational therapy assistants is projected to be $32.39 in 2026, which is lower than the national median of $35.74. This rate significantly influences the income potential for part-time workers or those seeking per-diem employment across various settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and outpatient clinics. For a typical part-time schedule of three days a week, these professionals can expect earnings that reflect their skills and experience, with entry-level positions commencing at around $24.55 and the more experienced professionals reaching $38.00 per hour. Such compensation structures provide flexibility for occupational therapy assistants in Bristol, allowing for varied work arrangements that can suit lifestyle preferences and professional commitments.
About the Bristol Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.55 | $196.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.27 | $226.18 |
| Median (P50) | $32.39 | $259.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.74 | $277.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.00 | $303.99 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bristol
Based on $32.39/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.39/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bristol, VA can expect to earn approximately $67,361 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,862. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bristol.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bristol
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,295.41 | $5,613 | $67,361 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $777.24 | $3,368 | $40,417 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $518.16 | $2,245 | $26,944 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Bristol) | $32.39 |
| 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 Bristol, VA earn a median of $67,354 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.39% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 14.70% below the Virginia state average of $78,961.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.39/hr = $40,417/year (purchasing power: $39,163).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $67,361/year (purchasing power: $65,272).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.80/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.50/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.39/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Bristol (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.80/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.42/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.89/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.99/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.20/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.44/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.50/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.39/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.30/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Bristol grew 17.5% from $26.80/hr (2019) to $31.50/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.30/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 Bristol 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 Bristol
Compensation in Bristol varies based on the type of employer and job setting, profoundly affecting part-time earnings compared to full-time commitments. For an occupational therapy assistant working three days a week, the annual take-home pay can represent a considerable difference when contrasted with full-time hours. Per-diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Bristol typically ranges between $30 and $45 per hour; however, lucrative travel COTA contracts can see weekly earnings of $1,100 to $1,700. The competitive environment has subsequently influenced skilled nursing facility pay, which has suffered due to the 15% reimbursement cuts introduced in 2022. While some may accept lower hourly rates for guaranteed benefits such as health insurance, others might seek higher pay without such perks. For those in Bristol navigating this situation, it's essential to be prepared to negotiate effectively based on clear market rates and the unique demands of their desired role.
More salary data for Bristol, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Bristol in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Bristol?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Bristol paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Bristol?
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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 Bristol. 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 Bristol 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