Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Garner, NC: $32.33 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Garner, NC runs $32.33 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $67,255 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Garner's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.54 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,353 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in Garner, NC, earn a median hourly rate of $32.33, which falls below the national median of $35.74. This difference signifies the local market dynamics, with Garner’s cost of living index at 93.6, making everyday expenses relatively less burdensome. For part-time and per-diem workers, primarily operating in various settings like skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, school therapy rooms, and outpatient clinics, this hourly rate translates into varying weekly earnings based on hours worked. Those entering the field can expect to earn as little as $24.47 per hour at entry-level positions, while more experienced professionals may reach rates of up to $40.24, reflecting the spectrum of pay available in this rewarding field.
About the Garner Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.47 | $195.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.42 | $227.33 |
| Median (P50) | $32.33 | $258.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.80 | $286.39 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.24 | $321.92 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Garner
Based on $32.33/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.33/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Garner, NC can expect to earn approximately $67,254 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,800. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Garner.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Garner
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,293.35 | $5,605 | $67,254 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $776.01 | $3,363 | $40,353 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $517.34 | $2,242 | $26,902 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Garner) | $32.33 |
| 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 Garner, NC earn a median of $67,255 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.52% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 4.10% below the North Carolina state average of $70,131.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.33/hr = $40,353/year (purchasing power: $43,112).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $67,254/year (purchasing power: $71,853).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.76/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.45/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.33/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Garner (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.76/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.38/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.85/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.95/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.15/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.36/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.45/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.33/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.24/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Garner grew 17.5% from $26.76/hr (2019) to $31.45/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.24/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 Garner 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 Garner
For those considering part-time employment, working three days a week translates into approximately $25,267 annually based on 24 hours of work weekly, versus a full-time COTA's average earnings. Per-diem occupational therapy assistants in Garner generally charge between $30 and $45 per hour, a structure offering flexibility but limited benefits compared to full-time roles. While travel contracts for COTAs offer enticing pay rates between $1,100 and $1,700 per week, variations in employer types can result in differences in hourly compensation. Skilled nursing facilities may provide lower rates due to recent cuts in Medicare reimbursements, which impact salary ranges. COTAs should weigh their options carefully, as accepting lower hourly pay might come with the advantage of health insurance and other benefits, while higher hourly rates could lack those offerings. It’s also wise for professionals in Garner to negotiate based on their individual skill sets, licensure, and experience, as local demand continually shifts.
More salary data for Garner, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Garner in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Garner?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Garner paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Garner?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Garner?
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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 Garner. 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 Garner 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