Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Huntersville, NC: $34.06 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Huntersville, NC runs $34.06 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $70,857 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Huntersville's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $36.39 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,508 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay in Huntersville, North Carolina, is projected to be $34.06, which is slightly below the national median of $35.74. This wage allows for a decent living, particularly for part-time workers or those considering per-diem opportunities. Many occupational therapy assistants work in various settings, including skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and schools. For part-time employees working three days a week, this hourly rate translates into a solid income, while per-diem professionals can expect to earn even more based on demand, with many slots paying between $30 and $45 per hour depending on the facility and specific job requirements. The hourly wage reflects the estimated annual salaries derived from prevailing compensation trends, providing an avenue for both entry-level workers earning around $23.17 and seasoned professionals making up to $41.23.
About the Huntersville 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) | $23.17 | $185.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.04 | $240.33 |
| Median (P50) | $34.06 | $272.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.81 | $294.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.23 | $329.81 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Huntersville
Based on $34.06/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.06/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Huntersville, NC can expect to earn approximately $70,847 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,873. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Huntersville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Huntersville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,362.44 | $5,904 | $70,847 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $817.46 | $3,542 | $42,508 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $544.98 | $2,362 | $28,339 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Huntersville) | $34.06 |
| 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 Huntersville, NC earn a median of $70,857 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.67% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 1.10% above the North Carolina state average of $70,086.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.06/hr = $42,508/year (purchasing power: $45,415).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $70,847/year (purchasing power: $75,691).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$28.19/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.13/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.06/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Huntersville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.19/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.84/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.29/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.44/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.71/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.93/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.13/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.06/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.02/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Huntersville grew 17.5% from $28.19/hr (2019) to $33.13/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.02/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 Huntersville 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 Huntersville
In terms of earnings, part-time occupational therapy assistants in Huntersville can generate a notable income by working 24 hours a week, close to $42,352 annually based on the median hourly rate. While this is a respectable amount, many full-time COTAs earn significantly more in settings that provide competitive compensation packages. For instance, per-diem and traveling COTAs often earn between $1,100 and $1,700 a week, especially in the wake of the 15% Medicare cut that affected reimbursement rates in 2022. Different employer types in Huntersville also offer varying pay scales. Skilled nursing facilities may provide lower hourly rates but include benefits like health insurance, whereas outpatient clinics might pay more per hour but offer limited benefits. Negotiation tactics are essential; COTAs should be prepared to discuss their worth based on qualifications and current market dynamics to secure the best possible hourly arrangement, reflecting their contributions to patient care and rehabilitation success in the community.
More salary data for Huntersville, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Huntersville in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Huntersville?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Huntersville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Huntersville?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Huntersville?
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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 Huntersville. 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 Huntersville 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