Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Clarksburg, WV: $28.67 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Clarksburg, WV runs $28.67 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,635 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Clarksburg's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.5, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.15 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,785 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Clarksburg, West Virginia, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay is set to reach a median of $28.67 in 2026, notably lower than the national median of $35.74 per hour. This pay reflects the regional economic conditions and can influence both part-time and per-diem positions. For individuals working three days a week, this hourly rate translates to approximately $22,400 annually, which may appeal to those seeking flexible work arrangements in settings like skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, and outpatient clinics, all common environments for COTAs. Entry-level assistants can expect to start around $22.40 per hour, while experienced professionals may earn up to $33.40 per hour, creating potential pay variations based on skill, employer, and the specific work environment.
About the Clarksburg Market
Salary estimated from West Virginia average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.40 | $179.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.52 | $204.14 |
| Median (P50) | $28.67 | $229.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.21 | $249.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $33.40 | $267.22 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Clarksburg
Based on $28.67/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.67/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Clarksburg, WV can expect to earn approximately $59,641 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,408. With a cost-of-living index of 86.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Clarksburg.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Clarksburg
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,146.95 | $4,970 | $59,641 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $688.17 | $2,982 | $35,785 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $458.78 | $1,988 | $23,857 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Clarksburg) | $28.67 |
| 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 Clarksburg, WV earn a median of $59,635 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.77% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 7.30% below the West Virginia state average of $64,331.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.67/hr = $35,785/year (purchasing power: $41,370).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,641/year (purchasing power: $68,949).
CoL index: 86.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.73/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.89/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.67/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Clarksburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.73/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.28/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.81/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.78/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.85/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.91/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.89/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.67/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.48/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Clarksburg grew 17.5% from $23.73/hr (2019) to $27.89/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.48/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 Clarksburg 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 Clarksburg
Part-time occupational therapy assistants in Clarksburg who work a 24-hour week may take home an annual income significantly less than their full-time counterparts, leading to varying lifestyle considerations. Many COTAs who opt for per-diem or agency work find themselves earning between $30 and $45 per hour, but travel contracts can offer even higher compensation, ranging from $1,100 to $1,700 per week. However, the decline in premium pay after the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut in 2022 has changed the dynamics in skilled nursing facilities. Additionally, the type of employer influences hourly compensation significantly; those working in school districts or early intervention programs might see different pay strategies. While some occupational therapy assistants may accept lower hourly rates for benefits like health insurance, others prefer the higher hourly wages but forgo benefits, presenting a trade-off that is essential to consider in negotiations. Local COTAs should practice articulating their worth and market research during salary discussions, ensuring they align their skills and preferences with workplace expectations.
More salary data for Clarksburg, WV:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Clarksburg in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Clarksburg?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Clarksburg paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Clarksburg?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Clarksburg?
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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 Clarksburg. 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 Clarksburg 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