Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Ponca City, OK: $29.52 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Ponca City, OK runs $29.52 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,393 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Ponca City's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.9, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.20 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,837 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Ponca City, Oklahoma, the projected median hourly pay for occupational therapy assistants stands at $29.52, a figure that falls notably below the national median hourly rate of $35.74. This wage structure reflects the local economic context, which may appeal to those seeking part-time work or per-diem opportunities. For example, a part-time COTA working three days a week, or 24 hours, can anticipate earnings that provide a solid foundation. The hourly pay in Ponca City ranges from $23.15 at the entry-level up to $34.54 for experienced professionals, making it possible to earn a competitive wage while working in varied environments such as skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and home health settings. It is also essential to understand that these hourly figures originate from estimated annual salaries based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026.
About the Ponca City Market
Salary estimated from Oklahoma average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.15 | $185.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.33 | $210.64 |
| Median (P50) | $29.52 | $236.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.52 | $252.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.54 | $276.35 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ponca City
Based on $29.52/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.52/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ponca City, OK can expect to earn approximately $61,395 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,420. With a cost-of-living index of 88.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Ponca City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ponca City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,180.67 | $5,116 | $61,395 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $708.40 | $3,070 | $36,837 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $472.27 | $2,046 | $24,558 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Ponca City) | $29.52 |
| 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 Ponca City, OK earn a median of $61,393 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.41% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 7.10% below the Oklahoma state average of $66,085.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.52/hr = $36,837/year (purchasing power: $41,436).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,395/year (purchasing power: $69,061).
CoL index: 88.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.43/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.71/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.52/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Ponca City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.43/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.99/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.51/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.51/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.61/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.21/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.71/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.52/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.35/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Ponca City grew 17.5% from $24.43/hr (2019) to $28.71/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.35/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 Ponca City 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 Ponca City
For an occupational therapy assistant in Ponca City, working part-time can yield substantial earnings, though significantly less than their full-time counterparts. For instance, a COTA working three days a week will take home about $46,252 annually, compared to a full-time commitment leading to a far higher income. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Ponca City can add flexibility to working arrangements, with rates typically ranging from $30 to $45 per hour, and travel COTA contracts offering enticing weekly pay of $1,100 to $1,700. However, as the post-2022 reimbursement landscape evolves and due to the 15% Medicare Part B cut, many in skilled nursing or outpatient settings may experience a decrease in hourly rates. It's important to note that hours and pay can vary significantly by employer type, from educational settings to rehabilitation hospitals. Occupational therapy assistants in Ponca City often negotiate pay based on whether they prioritize benefits, such as health insurance, or higher hourly wages without those perks. For effective negotiations, understanding the local market and emphasizing unique skills or experience can help secure better hourly pay while providing quality care in line with AOTA and NBCOT standards.
More salary data for Ponca City, OK:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Ponca City in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Ponca City?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Ponca City paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Ponca City?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Ponca City?
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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 Ponca City. 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 Ponca City 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