Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Mount Pleasant, MI: $31.07 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Mount Pleasant, MI runs $31.07 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,623 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Mount Pleasant's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.34 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,774 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, occupational therapy assistants in Mount Pleasant, MI, earn a median hourly pay of $31.07, which is notably lower than the national median of $35.74. For part-time workers, particularly those employed three days a week, this translates to approximately $1,151.52 weekly before taxes, allowing for flexibility in work-life balance while still providing reasonable income. Entry-level positions may start around $24.54 per hour, while top earners can reach up to $36.53. Hourly rates can significantly impact those working in various settings, including skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and home health environments, where the demand for therapy services remains robust despite fluctuations in payment models.
About the Mount Pleasant Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.54 | $196.33 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.86 | $222.89 |
| Median (P50) | $31.07 | $248.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.20 | $257.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.53 | $292.23 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Mount Pleasant
Based on $31.07/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.07/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Mount Pleasant, MI can expect to earn approximately $64,624 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,283. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Mount Pleasant.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Mount Pleasant
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,242.77 | $5,385 | $64,624 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $745.66 | $3,231 | $38,774 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $497.11 | $2,154 | $25,850 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Mount Pleasant) | $31.07 |
| 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 Mount Pleasant, MI earn a median of $64,623 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.06% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 6.70% below the Michigan state average of $69,264.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.07/hr = $38,774/year (purchasing power: $41,603).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,624/year (purchasing power: $69,339).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.71/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.22/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.07/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Mount Pleasant (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.71/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.31/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.80/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.86/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.01/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.75/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.22/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.07/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.94/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Mount Pleasant grew 17.5% from $25.71/hr (2019) to $30.22/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.94/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 Mount Pleasant 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 Mount Pleasant
Considering part-time opportunities, a 24-hour workweek could yield around $59,853 annually for an occupational therapy assistant, which contrasts sharply with the full-time annual salary figures. Those seeking per diem positions can expect to bill anywhere between $30 to $45 an hour, though travel contracts for COTAs can offer enticing packages ranging from $1,100 to $1,700 per week. Furthermore, rates often vary based on the type of employer, with skilled nursing facilities and outpatient clinics potentially offering lower pay with stable hours and health benefits, while private agencies might pay more but without benefits. With the impending challenges of the 15% Medicare cut impacting income, occupational therapy assistants are advised to negotiate effectively. Staying informed on the local job market, understanding salary benchmarks, and evaluating the pros and cons of hourly pay versus benefits are critical to maximizing financial outcomes in this profession.
More salary data for Mount Pleasant, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Mount Pleasant in 2026?
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How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Mount Pleasant?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Mount Pleasant?
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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 Mount Pleasant. 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 Mount Pleasant 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