Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Rocky Mount, NC: $32.73 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Rocky Mount, NC runs $32.73 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $68,092 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Rocky Mount's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.97 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,853 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Rocky Mount, North Carolina, the projected hourly pay for an occupational therapy assistant stands at $32.73, reflecting a competitive position in the local job market when compared to the national median hourly rate of $35.74. For part-time professionals working three days a week in various settings, such as skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, or school therapy rooms, this rate allows for a reasonable income while maintaining flexibility. Per-diem workers in this role can expect an hourly range from $23.75 to $41.48, reflecting variations in experience and employer type. The local pay structure indicates opportunities for both entry-level assistants earning near the lower end of the scale and seasoned professionals reaching the upper limits of the pay range, providing a promising career track for those entering the field.
About the Rocky Mount 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) | $23.75 | $189.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.03 | $224.21 |
| Median (P50) | $32.73 | $261.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.49 | $291.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.48 | $331.87 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rocky Mount
Based on $32.73/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.73/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rocky Mount, NC can expect to earn approximately $68,088 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,282. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Rocky Mount.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Rocky Mount
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,309.39 | $5,674 | $68,088 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $785.63 | $3,404 | $40,853 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $523.76 | $2,270 | $27,235 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Rocky Mount) | $32.73 |
| 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 Rocky Mount, NC earn a median of $68,092 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.39% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 2.90% below the North Carolina state average of $70,126.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.73/hr = $40,853/year (purchasing power: $43,646).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $68,088/year (purchasing power: $72,744).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$27.09/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.84/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.73/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Rocky Mount (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.09/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.72/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.19/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.25/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.51/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.72/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.84/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.73/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.65/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Rocky Mount grew 17.5% from $27.09/hr (2019) to $31.84/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.65/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 Rocky Mount 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 Rocky Mount
Looking at the real-world financial implications, an occupational therapy assistant working part-time in Rocky Mount, clocking in 24 hours weekly, could see annual earnings considerably lower than full-time counterparts. With a 3-day workweek, the total would approximate $40,756 yearly, which contrasts sharply with the potential income for full-time practitioners. For those in per-diem roles, billing rates between $30 and $45 an hour can influence decision-making; these assistants often face challenges related to fluctuating volumes of work and stability in income. Additionally, work conditions can vary by employer type: skilled nursing facilities often offer lower pay than hospital settings, while school districts tend to provide consistent hours but may pay less than outpatient services. Potential COTAs should weigh the benefits of higher-paying hourly positions with fewer benefits against employer options providing health insurance. Engaging in practical negotiations, particularly regarding per diem pay or rates for travel contracts, can lead to more favorable working conditions and compensation in Rocky Mount.
More salary data for Rocky Mount, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Rocky Mount in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Rocky Mount?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Rocky Mount paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Rocky Mount?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Rocky Mount?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in North Carolina
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 Rocky Mount. 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 Rocky Mount 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