Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in McMinnville, OR: $36.35 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in McMinnville, OR runs $36.35 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $75,606 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against McMinnville's regional price level (BEA RPP 102.6, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.43 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $45,369 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in McMinnville, Oregon, earn a median hourly rate of $36.35, reflecting a competitive position when compared to the national hourly median of $35.74. For professionals considering part-time employment, working three days a week typically totals approximately 24 hours, translating into significant earnings that allow for a comfortable living. In terms of pay progression, entry-level assistants can expect to start at around $26.65 per hour, while more experienced professionals can earn up to $42.76 per hour. These hourly rates provide insight into what workers can anticipate in various settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, schools, outpatient clinics, and even in-home therapy visits. It's critical to consider that these figures are derived from annual salary estimates, illustrating the potential for both stability and growth within the field.
About the McMinnville Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $26.65 | $213.19 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.19 | $249.54 |
| Median (P50) | $36.35 | $290.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.73 | $309.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.76 | $342.07 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in McMinnville
Based on $36.35/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.35/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in McMinnville, OR can expect to earn approximately $75,616 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $43,624. With a cost-of-living index of 102.60 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in McMinnville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in McMinnville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,454.14 | $6,301 | $75,616 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $872.49 | $3,781 | $45,369 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $581.66 | $2,521 | $30,246 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (McMinnville) | $36.35 |
| 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 McMinnville, OR earn a median of $75,606 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.71% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 0.90% below the Oregon state average of $76,293.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.35/hr = $45,369/year (purchasing power: $44,220).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $75,616/year (purchasing power: $73,699).
CoL index: 102.6 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$30.08/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.36/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.35/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in McMinnville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.08/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.78/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.19/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.42/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.77/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.21/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.36/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.35/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.38/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in McMinnville grew 17.5% from $30.08/hr (2019) to $35.36/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.38/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 McMinnville 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 McMinnville
For those working part-time, an occupational therapy assistant in McMinnville earning $36.35 an hour may bring home approximately $28,000 annually if they maintain a 3-day workweek schedule. This represents a solid income, but it's worth comparing to full-time salaries, which can reach up to $75,606 annually. Additionally, many COTAs choose per-diem roles, with pay commonly ranging between $30 and $45 per hour, or they might engage in travel contracts that offer generous weekly pay of $1,100 to $1,700, albeit with fluctuating job security. In McMinnville, hourly rates differ based on the type of employer; for example, skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies may offer lower hourly rates than outpatient clinics but could provide better benefit packages. Consequently, many occupational therapy assistants weigh the trade-offs between slightly lower hourly pay for consistent hours with health insurance and the possibility of earning a higher wage without benefits. Negotiating can significantly impact hourly earnings; being informed about local standards and understanding the nuances of different work arrangements can lead to better outcomes in one's career trajectory in this essential sector.
More salary data for McMinnville, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in McMinnville in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in McMinnville?
Are occupational therapy assistants in McMinnville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in McMinnville?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in McMinnville?
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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 McMinnville. 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 McMinnville 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