Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in York, PA: $31.73 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in York, PA runs $31.73 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,983 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against York's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.05 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,596 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In York, Pennsylvania, occupational therapy assistants earn a median hourly rate of $31.73, which positions them below the national median of $35.74. This difference highlights the potential challenges faced by professionals working in local settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, and school therapy rooms. For part-time workers who might opt for a three-day schedule, the hourly pay provides a stable income while allowing flexibility. Those exploring per-diem opportunities can expect varied compensation depending on the setting, with entry-level positions starting around $27.41 per hour, while seasoned professionals may command up to $37.92. This data is sourced from the 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, illustrating the pay landscape for occupational therapy assistants in York.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $27.41 | $219.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.23 | $233.83 |
| Median (P50) | $31.73 | $253.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.18 | $297.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.92 | $303.33 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in York
Based on $31.73/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.73/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in York, PA can expect to earn approximately $65,993 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,073. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in York.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in York
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,269.09 | $5,499 | $65,993 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $761.45 | $3,300 | $39,596 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $507.63 | $2,200 | $26,397 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (York) | $31.73 |
| 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 York, PA earn a median of $65,983 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.23% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 0.30% above the Pennsylvania state average of $65,786.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.73/hr = $39,596/year (purchasing power: $41,245).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,993/year (purchasing power: $68,742).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.21/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.86/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.73/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in York (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.21/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.39/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.01/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.66/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.96/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.44/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.86/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.73/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.62/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in York grew 27.5% from $24.21/hr (2019) to $30.86/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.62/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 York 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 York
A closer look reveals intriguing aspects of the occupational therapy assistant pay dynamics in York, particularly for part-time and per-diem roles. For an assistant working 24 hours per week, typically on a three-day schedule, the yearly earnings significantly contrast with full-time positions, showcasing the importance of balancing work and personal life. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in York typically ranges from $30 to $45 per hour, allowing for some flexibility, especially for those willing to take on travel contracts, which can yield between $1,100 and $1,700 weekly. However, pay varies considerably across different employer types; assignments in skilled nursing facilities or home health agencies may offer lower rates compared to outpatient clinics or agency roles. Occupational therapy assistants must also consider the benefits trade-off, where some may opt for lower hourly rates to secure health insurance coverage. Effective negotiation in York can lead to better outcomes, so understanding local market trends and leveraging one’s experience is advisable for COTAs looking to maximize their hourly income.
More salary data for York, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in York in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in York?
Are occupational therapy assistants in York paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in York?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in York?
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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 York. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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