Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Madison, MS: $30.21 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Madison, MS runs $30.21 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,831 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Madison's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $35.25 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,697 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Madison, Mississippi, the projected occupational therapy assistant hourly pay for 2026 stands at $30.21, which is notably below the national hourly median of $35.74. This difference illustrates the economic landscape faced by professionals in the field, particularly impacting part-time and per-diem occupational therapy assistants. For those working three days a week, typically 24 hours, the hourly rate offered in various settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, schools, and outpatient clinics may dictate their financial stability. Newcomers to the profession can expect to earn around $20.97 while experienced practitioners can see their rates climb to about $35.22. These figures, derived from annual salary estimates, highlight both the entry-level potential and the prospects for higher earnings in Madison.
About the Madison 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) | $20.97 | $167.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.91 | $215.24 |
| Median (P50) | $30.21 | $241.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.99 | $255.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.22 | $281.78 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Madison
Based on $30.21/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.21/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Madison, MS can expect to earn approximately $62,828 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,247. With a cost-of-living index of 85.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Madison.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Madison
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,208.22 | $5,236 | $62,828 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $724.93 | $3,141 | $37,697 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $483.29 | $2,094 | $25,131 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Madison) | $30.21 |
| 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 Madison, MS earn a median of $62,831 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.47% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 1.40% below the Mississippi state average of $63,723.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.21/hr = $37,697/year (purchasing power: $43,987).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,828/year (purchasing power: $73,311).
CoL index: 85.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.00/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.38/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.21/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Madison (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.00/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.58/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.08/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.11/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.23/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.20/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.38/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.21/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.05/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Madison grew 17.5% from $25.00/hr (2019) to $29.38/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.05/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 Madison 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 Madison
In practical terms, part-time occupational therapy assistants earning $30.21 per hour might take home approximately $37,800 annually, compared to their full-time counterparts who can see their earnings increase significantly. Per-diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Madison typically ranges from $30 to $45 per hour, reflecting the demands and flexibility associated with this type of work. However, travel contracts for Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs) can offer substantial weekly rates between $1,100 and $1,700, allowing for potentially higher earnings. It’s common for hourly rates to vary across employer types; those working within skilled nursing facilities or outpatient clinics may notice differences influenced by recent reimbursement cuts under Medicare. Additionally, accepting lower hourly wages may come with benefits like health insurance, which is a key factor for many when considering employment contracts. For those negotiating in this market, effective strategies include understanding the market rates for specific settings in Madison and being prepared to discuss the value of experience and certifications, especially when considering the challenges posed by reimbursement rates and the cuts implemented in recent years.
More salary data for Madison, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Madison in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Madison?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Madison paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Madison?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Madison?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Mississippi
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 Madison. 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 Madison 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