Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Casper, WY: $29.11 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Casper, WY runs $29.11 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,543 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Casper's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.8, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.38 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,324 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Earnings for an occupational therapy assistant in Casper, Wyoming, reach a median hourly rate of $29.11, which is notably lower than the national median of $35.74. This difference may shape the decision-making for COTAs, whether they are pursuing part-time roles across skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, or school settings. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, the financial implications can be significant. The hourly range spans from $21.25 for entry-level positions to $37.20 for seasoned professionals, suggesting that there are opportunities for advancement even within the Casper job market. These hourly estimates stem from annual salary projections, helping potential COTAs set realistic expectations as they enter the workforce or seek per-diem opportunities, where hourly pay can often fluctuate based on demand and location.
About the Casper Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.25 | $170.01 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.11 | $200.85 |
| Median (P50) | $29.11 | $232.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.63 | $261.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.20 | $297.57 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Casper
Based on $29.11/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.11/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Casper, WY can expect to earn approximately $60,539 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,927. With a cost-of-living index of 95.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Casper.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Casper
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,164.22 | $5,045 | $60,539 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $698.53 | $3,027 | $36,324 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $465.69 | $2,018 | $24,216 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Casper) | $29.11 |
| 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 Casper, WY earn a median of $60,543 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.55% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 2.30% below the Wyoming state average of $61,968.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.11/hr = $36,324/year (purchasing power: $37,916).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,539/year (purchasing power: $63,194).
CoL index: 95.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.79/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.31/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.11/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+11.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Casper (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.79/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.40/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.17/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.16/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.24/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.79/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.31/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.11/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.92/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Casper grew 5.7% from $26.79/hr (2019) to $28.31/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.92/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 Casper 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 Casper
The earning potential for part-time occupational therapy assistants averaging 24 hours a week leads to an annual take-home pay lower than that of full-time counterparts. While part-time workers may see adjusted take-home figures, per diem roles offer a different reality, with rates averaging between $30-$45 per hour. Travel COTA contracts can yield weekly earnings between $1,100 and $1,700. However, the decline in premium pay for SNF agency positions post-2022 reflects the complications caused by the 15% Medicare cut affecting OTAs. Different settings influence pay scales, as skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, schools, and home health agencies each present unique compensation structures. Many COTAs find themselves weighing the benefits of stable income with health insurance against higher hourly rates with fewer employee benefits. For those negotiating hourly pay in Casper, understanding the varying rates based on employer types and emphasizing the value of experience and specialized skill sets will be essential during discussions.
More salary data for Casper, WY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Casper in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Casper?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Casper paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Casper?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Casper?
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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 Casper. 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 Casper 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