Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Coeur d'Alene, ID: $34.38 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Coeur d'Alene, ID runs $34.38 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $71,501 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Coeur d'Alene's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.3, 5% below national), each hour of work buys what $36.08 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,906 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay is projected to be $34.38 in 2026, which is slightly below the national average of $35.74. This competitive hourly rate allows for varying work arrangements, making it suitable for part-time professionals or those engaged in per-diem roles. For instance, working three days a week at this rate provides a flexible option for OTAs in skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, outpatient clinics, and other settings. Additionally, entry-level professionals can expect to earn around $24.27 an hour, while top earners in the region might see rates as high as $42.68. It's crucial to understand that these hourly rates are derived from projected annual salary data, reflecting a holistic view of earnings within the field.
About the Coeur d'Alene Market
Salary estimated from Idaho average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.27 | $194.19 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.95 | $231.61 |
| Median (P50) | $34.38 | $275.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.86 | $302.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.68 | $341.41 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Coeur d'Alene
Based on $34.38/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.38/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Coeur d'Alene, ID can expect to earn approximately $71,510 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,256. With a cost-of-living index of 95.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Coeur d'Alene.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Coeur d'Alene
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,375.19 | $5,959 | $71,510 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $825.11 | $3,575 | $42,906 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $550.07 | $2,384 | $28,604 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Coeur d'Alene) | $34.38 |
| 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 Coeur d'Alene, ID earn a median of $71,501 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.81% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 0.90% above the Idaho state average of $70,863.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.38/hr = $42,906/year (purchasing power: $45,022).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $71,510/year (purchasing power: $75,036).
CoL index: 95.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$28.45/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.44/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.38/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Coeur d'Alene (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.45/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.11/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.55/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.72/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.99/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.60/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.44/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.38/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.35/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Coeur d'Alene grew 17.5% from $28.45/hr (2019) to $33.44/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.35/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 Coeur d'Alene 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 Coeur d'Alene
Part-time occupational therapy assistants in Coeur d'Alene can anticipate an annual take-home pay of approximately $42,300 when working a 24-hour weekly schedule. This income contrasts with full-time positions, offering flexibility and allowing professionals to pursue other interests or education, such as COTA-to-MOT bridge pathways. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Coeur d'Alene generally ranges from $30 to $45, with additional travel contracts offering a weekly payout between $1,100 and $1,700. The recent reimbursement cuts for COTAs working in skilled nursing facilities have caused some fluctuations in hourly wages, impacting the financial landscape for these practitioners. Across various employers, from school districts to home health agencies, hourly rates can differ sharply. Many OTAs weigh the trade-off between lower the hourly rates with benefits and the potential for higher pay without health coverage. Knowing how to negotiate effectively for pay within the local market is also essential for those looking to maximize their earning potential.
More salary data for Coeur d'Alene, ID:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Coeur d'Alene in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Coeur d'Alene?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Coeur d'Alene paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Coeur d'Alene?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Coeur d'Alene?
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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 Coeur d'Alene. 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 Coeur d'Alene 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