Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Falls Church, VA: $34.99 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Falls Church, VA runs $34.99 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $72,767 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Falls Church's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $33.90 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $43,663 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a median hourly pay of $34.99, occupational therapy assistants in Falls Church, VA, demonstrate competitive compensation compared to the national median of $35.74 per hour. This hourly rate provides flexibility for those working part-time or in per-diem positions, with many COTAs operating in settings like skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and school therapy rooms. For entry-level positions, hourly wages can start at approximately $27.00, while experienced professionals can earn up to $40.46, illustrating a broad spectrum of earning potential within the field. These figures are derived from projected annual salary data, reflecting what the hourly earnings may look like for COTAs navigating the job market in Falls Church.
About the Falls Church 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) | $27.00 | $215.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.88 | $247.07 |
| Median (P50) | $34.99 | $279.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.05 | $296.42 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.46 | $323.65 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Falls Church
Based on $34.99/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.99/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Falls Church, VA can expect to earn approximately $72,771 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,983. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Falls Church.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Falls Church
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,399.45 | $6,064 | $72,771 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $839.67 | $3,639 | $43,663 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $559.78 | $2,426 | $29,109 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Falls Church) | $34.99 |
| 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 Falls Church, VA earn a median of $72,767 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.11% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 7.80% below the Virginia state average of $78,923.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.99/hr = $43,663/year (purchasing power: $42,309).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $72,771/year (purchasing power: $70,515).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.95/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.03/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.99/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Falls Church (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.95/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.62/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.05/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.24/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.54/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.11/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.03/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.99/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.97/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Falls Church grew 17.5% from $28.95/hr (2019) to $34.03/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.97/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 Falls Church 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 Falls Church
Exploring the financial landscape for part-time occupational therapy assistants reveals intriguing dynamics. A COTA working three days a week, roughly 24 hours, could expect to earn about $43,999 annually, a substantial amount compared to the commitment those in full-time roles make. Per-diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Falls Church typically ranges from $30 to $45 per hour, offering a lucrative option for individuals who prefer flexible scheduling. However, lower-paying agency positions in skilled nursing facilities have seen diminished returns following the 15% Medicare cut enacted in 2022. Rates can vary significantly across employer types, with agencies, schools, and outpatient clinics each requiring unique negotiation strategies. Occupational therapy assistants should consider the overall compensation package, including benefits, when assessing pay—opting for slightly lower hourly rates might afford essential health insurance, while higher rates without benefits may appeal to those without ongoing medical needs. Negotiating hourly rates effectively in Falls Church can yield better outcomes, particularly in a market affected by fluctuating reimbursement rates and demand for COTAs.
More salary data for Falls Church, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Falls Church in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Falls Church?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Falls Church paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Falls Church?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Falls Church?
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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 Falls Church. 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 Falls Church 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