Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Lake Ridge, VA: $36.35 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Lake Ridge, VA runs $36.35 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $75,622 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Lake Ridge's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.23 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $45,369 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lake Ridge, VA, the projected hourly pay for occupational therapy assistants stands at $36.35, offering a competitive advantage over the national hourly median of $35.74. This rate translates well for those pursuing part-time or per-diem opportunities, as a professional working three days a week could earn significant income while balancing other commitments. The hourly range varies considerably, with entry-level positions starting around $26.50 and experienced practitioners topping out near $43.79. Such flexibility in the typical settings—skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, and outpatient clinics—allows occupational therapy assistants to tailor their work hours to fit personal or professional needs. These hourly values are estimated from annual salary projections, reflecting the evolving landscape of healthcare work in this region.
About the Lake Ridge 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) | $26.50 | $212.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.09 | $248.72 |
| Median (P50) | $36.35 | $290.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.47 | $315.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.79 | $350.29 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lake Ridge
Based on $36.35/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.35/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lake Ridge, VA can expect to earn approximately $75,616 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $43,624. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lake Ridge.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lake Ridge
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,454.14 | $6,301 | $75,616 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $872.49 | $3,781 | $45,369 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $581.66 | $2,521 | $30,246 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Lake Ridge) | $36.35 |
| 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 Lake Ridge, VA earn a median of $75,622 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.74% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 4.20% below the Virginia state average of $78,937.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.35/hr = $45,369/year (purchasing power: $43,963).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $75,616/year (purchasing power: $73,271).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$30.08/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.36/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.35/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Lake Ridge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.08/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.78/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.19/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.42/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.77/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.33/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.36/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.35/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.38/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Lake Ridge grew 17.5% from $30.08/hr (2019) to $35.36/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.38/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 Lake Ridge 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 Lake Ridge
Earning potential for part-time occupational therapy assistants in Lake Ridge can be quite appealing, especially when considering a three-day workweek. This schedule results in approximately $45,274 annually, compared to full-time positions yielding about $75,622. Furthermore, per diem roles offer opportunities for competitive pay, with rates typically ranging between $30 and $45 per hour. Traveling COTAs can find contracts that pay up to $1,700 per week. However, it is crucial to recognize that the recent 15% Medicare cut has influenced reimbursement rates, particularly in skilled nursing facilities and outpatient clinics, slightly compressing earnings in these settings. Hourly pay can also differ based on the type of employer; for instance, school districts may offer lower but more stable rates than home health agencies. As some occupational therapy assistants navigate the trade-off between higher hourly rates without benefits and lower rates including health insurance, practical negotiation strategies become essential. Emphasizing industry experience and flexibility can enhance prospects for securing desirable positions in Lake Ridge.
More salary data for Lake Ridge, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Lake Ridge in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Lake Ridge?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Lake Ridge paid hourly or salary?
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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 Lake Ridge. 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 Lake Ridge 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