Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Marietta, GA: $32.66 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Marietta, GA runs $32.66 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $67,943 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Marietta's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.1, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $35.08 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,763 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the hourly pay for an occupational therapy assistant in Marietta, Georgia, is projected to be $32.66. This figure is below the national median hourly rate of $35.74, indicating that COTAs in the area might face some financial limitations compared to their counterparts nationwide. For professionals working part-time, such as those on a three-day work schedule, this pay means an income of approximately $2,619 each month, which can provide a reasonable base for living expenses. Entry-level positions in this field offer rates starting at $24.25 per hour, while more experienced occupational therapy assistants can earn up to $40.90, highlighting the extensive range in earning potential that exists within this profession in local settings such as skilled nursing facilities and outpatient clinics.
About the Marietta 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) | $24.25 | $194.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.38 | $227.00 |
| Median (P50) | $32.66 | $261.30 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.11 | $288.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.90 | $327.18 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Marietta
Based on $32.66/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.66/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Marietta, GA can expect to earn approximately $67,938 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,195. With a cost-of-living index of 93.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Marietta.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Marietta
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,306.51 | $5,662 | $67,938 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $783.91 | $3,397 | $40,763 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $522.60 | $2,265 | $27,175 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Marietta) | $32.66 |
| 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 Marietta, GA earn a median of $67,943 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.60% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 1.80% below the Georgia state average of $69,188.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.66/hr = $40,763/year (purchasing power: $43,784).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $67,938/year (purchasing power: $72,974).
CoL index: 93.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$27.03/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.77/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.66/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Marietta (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.03/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.66/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.13/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.23/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.45/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.00/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.77/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.66/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.58/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Marietta grew 17.5% from $27.03/hr (2019) to $31.77/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.58/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 Marietta 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 Marietta
Part-time occupational therapy assistants can expect annual take-home pay of around $31,428 when working 24 hours a week, while full-time positions provide substantial earning advantages. For those considering per diem opportunities, compensation can range from $30 to $45 per hour, making it a lucrative option for those who value flexibility. However, professionals in Marietta may find that premium pay at skilled nursing facilities has declined following the 15% Medicare Part B cut in 2022. Hourly rates also vary by employment type, with hospital rehab settings, school contracts, and home health agencies often offering competitive pay but differing benefits. Negotiating effectively is key; those who are willing to accept lower hourly pay might secure better health insurance packages, while others might prioritize higher hourly wages even without additional benefits. Understanding these trade-offs can help aspiring COTAs navigate their career paths more effectively.
More salary data for Marietta, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Marietta in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Marietta?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Marietta paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Marietta?
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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 Marietta. 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 Marietta 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