Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Burke, VA: $37.46 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Burke, VA runs $37.46 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $77,930 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Burke's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.30 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,755 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Burke, Virginia, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $37.46 in 2026, which is notably higher than the national median of $35.74. For part-time workers or those considering per-diem opportunities, this rate translates to a competitive earning potential in settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, and outpatient clinics. For example, a COTA working three days a week could earn a substantial hourly wage that supports flexible work arrangements. The hourly range in Burke can vary significantly, with entry-level pay starting around $27.21, reaching up to $45.10 for more experienced professionals. Such rates are derived from annual salary data and reflect the various levels of demand for occupational therapy services within the community.
About the Burke 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) | $27.21 | $217.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.97 | $255.79 |
| Median (P50) | $37.46 | $299.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.55 | $324.39 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.10 | $360.82 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Burke
Based on $37.46/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.46/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Burke, VA can expect to earn approximately $77,925 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,957. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Burke.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Burke
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,498.56 | $6,494 | $77,925 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $899.14 | $3,896 | $46,755 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $599.42 | $2,598 | $31,170 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Burke) | $37.46 |
| 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 Burke, VA earn a median of $77,930 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.84% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 1.30% below the Virginia state average of $78,956.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.46/hr = $46,755/year (purchasing power: $45,305).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $77,925/year (purchasing power: $75,509).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$31.00/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.44/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.46/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Burke (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.00/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.72/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.11/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.38/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.77/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.32/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.44/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.46/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.52/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Burke grew 17.5% from $31.00/hr (2019) to $36.44/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.52/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 Burke 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 Burke
For occupational therapy assistants who prefer part-time roles, working three days a week could yield an annual take-home pay that differs markedly from the earnings of full-time employees. This flexibility also allows some to choose per-diem positions, with COTAs billing between $30 to $45 per hour. Travel contracts can provide substantial weekly earnings, ranging from $1,100 to $1,700. However, it's important to consider that post-2022 reimbursement cuts may have lowered agency pay rates in skilled nursing facilities. Hourly rates can fluctuate depending on the type of employer, as COTAs in outpatient clinics or early intervention programs may offer different compensation structures compared to those in educational settings or home health agencies. Occupational therapy assistants should weigh the benefits of employment options, as accepting lower hourly rates may come with health insurance and other advantages. When negotiating wages, understanding local market trends and demonstrating qualifications through AOTA and NBCOT certifications can be beneficial for securing competitive rates in Burke, VA.
More salary data for Burke, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Burke in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Burke?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Burke paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Burke?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Burke?
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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 Burke. 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 Burke 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