Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Portsmouth, VA: $36.71 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Portsmouth, VA runs $36.71 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $76,362 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Portsmouth's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.58 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $45,818 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Portsmouth, Virginia, the **occupational therapy assistant hourly pay** is projected to reach **$36.71** in 2026, which is above the national hourly median of **$35.74**. This competitive rate can greatly benefit those considering part-time roles or **per diem occupational therapy assistant pay Portsmouth** offers, allowing flexibility to work in various settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, school therapy environments, and outpatient clinics. Entry-level positions typically start around **$26.38**, while more experienced practitioners can earn upwards of **$44.79** per hour. These rates are derived from estimated annual salaries, making them informative for planning one's career path in occupational therapy assistant roles within the city.
About the Portsmouth 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) | $26.38 | $211.05 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.26 | $250.12 |
| Median (P50) | $36.71 | $293.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.96 | $319.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.79 | $358.35 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Portsmouth
Based on $36.71/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.71/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Portsmouth, VA can expect to earn approximately $76,364 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,056. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Portsmouth.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Portsmouth
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,468.54 | $6,364 | $76,364 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $881.12 | $3,818 | $45,818 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $587.42 | $2,545 | $30,546 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Portsmouth) | $36.71 |
| 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 Portsmouth, VA earn a median of $76,362 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.73% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 3.20% below the Virginia state average of $78,886.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.71/hr = $45,818/year (purchasing power: $44,398).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $76,364/year (purchasing power: $73,996).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$30.38/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.71/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.71/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Portsmouth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.38/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.09/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.49/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.73/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.10/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.65/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.71/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.71/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.75/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Portsmouth grew 17.5% from $30.38/hr (2019) to $35.71/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.75/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 Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth
Looking at the financial implications for part-time occupational therapy assistants working three days a week, they can expect a notable annual income based on their hourly rate. For a standard schedule of 24 hours weekly, the take-home pay can be substantial when contrasted with full-time positions. Per-diem and agency positions may command **$30 to $45** per hour, particularly appealing for COTAs seeking flexibility after the effects of the **15% Medicare cut** in 2022 have compressed wages in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and outpatient settings. Differences in pay vary widely across employer types in Portsmouth, with school district contracts and early intervention programs often offering lower hourly rates but providing essential benefits. COTAs must weigh the trade-offs of hourly compensation against health insurance offerings, and it’s beneficial to prepare for negotiations by understanding the local market conditions. Familiarity with the reimbursement landscape, including recent legislative changes, can empower occupational therapy assistants to advocate for better employer compensation in Portsmouth, VA.
More salary data for Portsmouth, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Portsmouth in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Portsmouth?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Portsmouth paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Portsmouth?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Portsmouth?
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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 Portsmouth. 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 Portsmouth 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