Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Columbus, GA: $33.59 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Columbus, GA runs $33.59 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $69,855 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Columbus's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.1, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $36.08 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,918 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Columbus, Georgia, the projected median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants (COTAs) stands at $33.59, slightly below the national median of $35.74. This hourly pay reflects the financial realities faced by those working in various settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, and outpatient clinics. For part-time workers operating three days a week, this rate translates to a decent income while allowing for flexibility in scheduling. Entry-level COTAs can expect to start at around $23.15 per hour, while experienced professionals at the top of their field may earn as much as $43.23 hourly. These figures, derived from annual salary estimates, highlight the diverse earning potential within the occupational therapy assistant role in Columbus.
About the Columbus Market
Salary estimated from Georgia average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.15 | $185.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.02 | $224.13 |
| Median (P50) | $33.59 | $268.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.37 | $306.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.23 | $345.85 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Columbus
Based on $33.59/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.59/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Columbus, GA can expect to earn approximately $69,863 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,306. With a cost-of-living index of 93.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Columbus.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Columbus
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,343.52 | $5,822 | $69,863 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $806.11 | $3,493 | $41,918 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $537.41 | $2,329 | $27,945 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Columbus) | $33.59 |
| 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 Columbus, GA earn a median of $69,855 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.02% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 0.90% above the Georgia state average of $69,232.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.59/hr = $41,918/year (purchasing power: $45,025).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $69,863/year (purchasing power: $75,041).
CoL index: 93.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$27.79/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.67/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.59/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Columbus (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.79/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.21/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.89/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.03/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.28/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.94/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.67/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.59/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.53/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Columbus grew 17.5% from $27.79/hr (2019) to $32.67/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.53/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 Columbus 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 Columbus
The earning potential for part-time occupational therapy assistants in Columbus can differ significantly compared to full-time counterparts. Those working twelve-hour weeks, for instance, might take home considerably less when annualized than if they were employed full-time. Per-diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Columbus typically ranges between $30 and $45 per hour, with more competitive travel COTA contracts offering $1,100 to $1,700 per week. It’s also essential to note that employer types affect hourly rates; skilled nursing facilities and outpatient clinics might provide different compensation levels due to varying reimbursement structures, particularly after the recent 15% Medicare cut. Additionally, some COTAs may accept lower hourly wages in exchange for health benefits, whereas others might focus on maximizing their hourly compensation without benefits. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for effective negotiations; being informed about local industry standards and employer expectations can empower occupational therapy assistants in Columbus, GA, to advocate effectively for their worth.
More salary data for Columbus, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Columbus in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Columbus?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Columbus paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Columbus?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Columbus?
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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 Columbus. 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 Columbus 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