Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Hattiesburg, MS: $29.22 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Hattiesburg, MS runs $29.22 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,780 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Hattiesburg's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.09 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,465 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hattiesburg, Mississippi, the projected occupational therapy assistant hourly pay for 2026 stands at $29.22, notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $35.74. This difference highlights the local market dynamics, which can impact part-time and per-diem workers in various therapeutic settings like skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and home health environments. With hourly earnings ranging from $21.95 at the entry-level to $34.96 for top earners, individuals pursuing occupational therapy assistant roles in Hattiesburg can anticipate a competitive wage, although those considering part-time work, such as a 3-day work week, might find their total earnings less robust than their full-time counterparts. The varied hourly rates in the region reflect the broader cost of living and demand for service providers within this profession.
About the Hattiesburg Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.95 | $175.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.50 | $203.98 |
| Median (P50) | $29.22 | $233.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.55 | $252.42 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.96 | $279.64 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hattiesburg
Based on $29.22/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.22/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hattiesburg, MS can expect to earn approximately $60,775 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,062. With a cost-of-living index of 85.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Hattiesburg.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hattiesburg
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,168.74 | $5,065 | $60,775 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $701.25 | $3,039 | $36,465 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $467.50 | $2,026 | $24,310 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Hattiesburg) | $29.22 |
| 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 Hattiesburg, MS earn a median of $60,780 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.23% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 4.60% below the Mississippi state average of $63,711.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.22/hr = $36,465/year (purchasing power: $42,549).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,775/year (purchasing power: $70,916).
CoL index: 85.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.18/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.42/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.22/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Hattiesburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.18/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.74/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.27/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.26/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.34/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.37/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.42/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.22/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.04/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Hattiesburg grew 17.5% from $24.18/hr (2019) to $28.42/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.04/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 Hattiesburg 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 Hattiesburg
When analyzing earning potential, part-time occupational therapy assistants working 24 hours per week would earn considerably less than their full-time peers, leading to a lower annual income compared to those working full-time—this is crucial for budgeting and financial planning. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Hattiesburg typically falls within a range of $30 to $45 per hour, with some traveling contracts offering weekly compensation from $1,100 to $1,700, depending on the facility and the specific demands of the assignment. Occupational therapy assistants in Hattiesburg face varying pay scales based on employer types—those in skilled nursing facilities or outpatient clinics might earn differently than those in school districts or home health agencies. While some may choose to accept positions with a lower hourly rate for benefits like health insurance, others may prioritize higher pay without benefits. Negotiating for hourly wages can be vital, and understanding the local job market dynamics allows COTAs to advocate effectively for competitive compensation tailored to their qualifications and work experiences.
More salary data for Hattiesburg, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Hattiesburg in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Hattiesburg?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Hattiesburg paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Hattiesburg?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Hattiesburg?
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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 Hattiesburg. 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 Hattiesburg 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