Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Riverton, WY: $27.83 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Riverton, WY runs $27.83 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $57,894 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Riverton's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.8, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.05 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,733 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Riverton, Wyoming, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay is projected to be $27.83 in 2026, which falls significantly short of the national hourly median of $35.74. This rate influences the earning potential for both part-time and per-diem COTAs, especially as they typically work in various settings like skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, outpatient clinics, school therapy rooms, and during home health visits. For part-time workers operating a 3-day workweek, the rate translates to an income that may not fully reflect the effort and expertise necessary for the profession. The hourly wage ranges from $22.07 for entry-level positions to $32.85 for the top-tier earners, indicating a level of competition and variation in pay depending on experience and specific roles within the community.
About the Riverton 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) | $22.07 | $176.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.00 | $200.03 |
| Median (P50) | $27.83 | $222.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.89 | $239.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $32.85 | $262.78 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Riverton
Based on $27.83/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.83/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Riverton, WY can expect to earn approximately $57,888 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,397. With a cost-of-living index of 95.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Riverton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Riverton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,113.23 | $4,824 | $57,888 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $667.94 | $2,894 | $34,733 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $445.29 | $1,930 | $23,155 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Riverton) | $27.83 |
| 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 Riverton, WY earn a median of $57,894 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.11% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 6.60% below the Wyoming state average of $61,985.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.83/hr = $34,733/year (purchasing power: $36,255).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $57,888/year (purchasing power: $60,426).
CoL index: 95.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.03/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.07/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.83/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Riverton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.03/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.57/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.11/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.06/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.09/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.53/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.07/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.83/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.61/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Riverton grew 17.5% from $23.03/hr (2019) to $27.07/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.61/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 Riverton 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 Riverton
For occupational therapy assistants considering part-time positions, such as working 24 hours a week, the annual take-home may not match what full-time COTAs earn. Many choose per-diem arrangements, which commonly range from $30 to $45 per hour, providing enhanced flexibility and sometimes lucrative opportunities. However, the decline in premium pay due to the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut for OTA services can negatively impact earnings in skilled nursing facilities and outpatient settings. Rates can also vary depending on employer type, with outpatient clinics often providing different compensation levels compared to school districts or early intervention programs. Additionally, some COTAs might opt for lower hourly wages for job stability and benefits like health insurance, while others may prioritize higher pay with flexible hours. For those negotiating their hours, researching local pay ranges and discussing potential perks can enhance their overall package in Riverton.
More salary data for Riverton, WY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Riverton in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Riverton?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Riverton paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Riverton?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Riverton?
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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 Riverton. 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 Riverton 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