Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in South Fulton, GA: $33.57 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in South Fulton, GA runs $33.57 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $69,824 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against South Fulton's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.1, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $36.06 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,892 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In South Fulton, Georgia, occupational therapy assistants earn a median hourly rate of $33.57, which is slightly below the national median of $35.74. This rate can provide a solid income for those working part-time or on a per-diem basis, which is typical for roles in settings such as skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, or home health visits. For individuals working three days a week, these hourly earnings translate to a manageable income while allowing for flexibility in scheduling. The hourly wage structure in South Fulton ranges from approximately $22.16 for entry-level positions to around $41.10 for the highest earners, illustrating a broad spectrum of potential income based on experience and setting. While these figures are derived from annual data estimates, they provide a pertinent snapshot of what COTAs can expect in the local job market.
About the South Fulton 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) | $22.16 | $177.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.17 | $233.34 |
| Median (P50) | $33.57 | $268.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.51 | $292.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.10 | $328.83 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in South Fulton
Based on $33.57/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.57/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in South Fulton, GA can expect to earn approximately $69,820 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,281. With a cost-of-living index of 93.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in South Fulton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in South Fulton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,342.70 | $5,818 | $69,820 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $805.62 | $3,491 | $41,892 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $537.08 | $2,327 | $27,928 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (South Fulton) | $33.57 |
| 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 South Fulton, GA earn a median of $69,824 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.06% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 0.90% above the Georgia state average of $69,202.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.57/hr = $41,892/year (purchasing power: $44,997).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $69,820/year (purchasing power: $74,995).
CoL index: 93.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$27.78/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.65/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.57/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in South Fulton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.78/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.42/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.88/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.01/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.26/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.81/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.65/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.57/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.51/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in South Fulton grew 17.5% from $27.78/hr (2019) to $32.65/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.51/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 South Fulton 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 South Fulton
When considering the financial implications of a part-time position, a 24-hour work week can result in an annual income of around $52,500, contrasting significantly with the potential earnings of full-time roles. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in South Fulton varies, typically falling between $30 and $45 per hour, while travel contracts can offer more lucrative options, often between $1,100 and $1,700 per week. However, the decline in premium pay for agency COTAs following the 2022 Medicare reimbursement cuts may influence some professionals to seek more stable, higher hourly roles with benefits through direct employment. Rates can differ considerably depending on the employer type; skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, and school contracts often offer varied compensation structures. Occupational therapy assistants may need to weigh the benefits of consistent hourly pay against the risks of higher hourly rates that often lack benefits like health insurance. Practical negotiation tips for South Fulton workers include researching average pay rates and articulating value during discussions, especially when confronted with the realities of lower local reimbursement rates.
More salary data for South Fulton, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in South Fulton in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in South Fulton?
Are occupational therapy assistants in South Fulton paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in South Fulton?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in South Fulton?
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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 South Fulton. 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 South Fulton 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