Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Williamsburg, VA: $35.93 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Williamsburg, VA runs $35.93 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $74,731 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Williamsburg's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $34.82 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $44,843 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Williamsburg, Virginia, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay is projected to be $35.93 in 2026, slightly above the national median of $35.74. This rate translates to attractive opportunities for part-time and per-diem workers in various healthcare settings, including skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and home health visits. With an hourly range extending from $26.28 for entry-level positions to $43.25 for top earners, COTAs in the area can expect to earn competitive wages relative to the national market. It's essential to understand that these hourly figures are derived from annual salary projections, painting a comprehensive picture of the potential income within this profession in Williamsburg.
About the Williamsburg 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) | $26.28 | $210.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.67 | $245.35 |
| Median (P50) | $35.93 | $287.46 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.12 | $297.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.25 | $346.02 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Williamsburg
Based on $35.93/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.93/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Williamsburg, VA can expect to earn approximately $74,739 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $43,119. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Williamsburg.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Williamsburg
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,437.28 | $6,228 | $74,739 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $862.37 | $3,737 | $44,843 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $574.91 | $2,491 | $29,896 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Williamsburg) | $35.93 |
| 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 Williamsburg, VA earn a median of $74,731 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.54% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 5.30% below the Virginia state average of $78,913.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.93/hr = $44,843/year (purchasing power: $43,453).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $74,739/year (purchasing power: $72,421).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.73/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.95/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.93/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Williamsburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.73/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.43/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.84/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.06/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.39/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.95/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.95/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.93/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.94/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Williamsburg grew 17.5% from $29.73/hr (2019) to $34.95/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.94/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 Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg
For occupational therapy assistants considering part-time work in Williamsburg, opting for a schedule of three days per week (approximately 24 hours) can yield an annual income significantly lower than full-time roles, contingent upon the hours worked. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Williamsburg typically ranges from $30 to $45 per hour, with travel contracts offering weekly earnings between $1,100 to $1,700. However, trends have shown a decline in premium pay for agency position due to the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut applied to OTA services. Different employer types in the area exhibit varying hourly rates; for instance, skilled nursing facilities and hospital settings may offer lower rates, while home health agencies might provide more competitive pay to attract talent. Some aides may accept lower hourly rates for the inclusion of benefits like health insurance, leading to trade-offs that COTAs need to consider. When negotiating pay, being informed about average rates in Williamsburg and articulating the value of your skills can help in securing favorable compensation tailored to your financial needs.
More salary data for Williamsburg, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Williamsburg in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Williamsburg?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Williamsburg paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Williamsburg?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Williamsburg?
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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 Williamsburg. 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 Williamsburg 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