Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Bismarck, ND: $32.41 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Bismarck, ND runs $32.41 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $67,406 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Bismarck's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.0, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $35.22 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,442 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bismarck, North Dakota, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay is projected to average $32.41 in 2026. This figure is notably lower than the national hourly median of $35.74, suggesting a regional discrepancy in compensation for this vital healthcare role. For individuals seeking part-time opportunities, such as those working three days a week, this hourly rate allows for a manageable income while offering flexibility in scheduling. With an hourly pay range that spans from $24.23 for entry-level positions to $38.67 for the most experienced assistants, those in settings like skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and home health visits can expect varied compensation based on their level of experience and the complexity of the services they provide. Per diem positions also offer an attractive alternative for those wanting to supplement their income, although actual earnings can fluctuate significantly within Bismarck's therapy landscape.
About the Bismarck Market
Salary estimated from North Dakota average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.23 | $193.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.31 | $226.51 |
| Median (P50) | $32.41 | $259.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.75 | $278.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.67 | $309.33 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bismarck
Based on $32.41/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.41/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bismarck, ND can expect to earn approximately $67,404 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,887. With a cost-of-living index of 92.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Bismarck.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bismarck
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,296.23 | $5,617 | $67,404 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $777.74 | $3,370 | $40,442 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $518.49 | $2,247 | $26,962 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Bismarck) | $32.41 |
| 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 Bismarck, ND earn a median of $67,406 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.32% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 1.40% below the North Dakota state average of $68,363.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.41/hr = $40,442/year (purchasing power: $43,959).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $67,404/year (purchasing power: $73,265).
CoL index: 92 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.82/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.52/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.41/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Bismarck (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.82/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.44/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.91/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.01/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.21/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.03/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.52/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.41/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.32/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Bismarck grew 17.5% from $26.82/hr (2019) to $31.52/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.32/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 Bismarck 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 Bismarck
Several factors influence the take-home pay for part-time occupational therapy assistants compared to their full-time counterparts. A part-time COTA working 24 hours a week would earn approximately $40,000 annually, while a full-time role could yield upwards of $67,406. For those interested in per diem work, agency COTAs often command rates ranging from $30 to $45 per hour, with travel contracts paying between $1,100 and $1,700 weekly. However, these positions can be competitive, especially given the recent decline in premium pay for agency COTAs following the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut imposed in 2022. Moreover, the type of institution also affects hourly rates—hospital rehab units might offer higher pay compared to school districts. Occupational therapy assistants may need to weigh the trade-offs between a higher hourly pay versus benefits such as health insurance, which can be significant for many. For those negotiating their pay in Bismarck, it may be beneficial to highlight specialized skills or willingness to take on challenging assignments, potentially leading to better compensation and job satisfaction.
More salary data for Bismarck, ND:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Bismarck in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Bismarck?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Bismarck paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Bismarck?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Bismarck?
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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 Bismarck. 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 Bismarck 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