Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Lynchburg, VA: $38.67 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Lynchburg, VA runs $38.67 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $80,428 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Lynchburg's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.4, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $43.27 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,256 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Lynchburg, Virginia, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay stands at a median rate of $38.67, which is notably higher than the national hourly median of $35.74. This competitive rate offers significant advantages for those looking to work part-time or on a per-diem basis, allowing for flexible scheduling typical of therapy settings like skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and hospitals. For part-time workers, often employed three days a week, this hourly rate can translate into a sustainable income, while per-diem roles can vary with a billing range that aligns with the hourly median. The hourly pay range in Lynchburg extends from $32.22 for entry-level positions to $49.35 for top earners, illustrating a healthy potential for career advancement and pay progression within this field.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32.22 | $257.77 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.51 | $292.06 |
| Median (P50) | $38.67 | $309.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.04 | $328.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.35 | $394.79 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lynchburg
Based on $38.67/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.67/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lynchburg, VA can expect to earn approximately $80,427 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,400. With a cost-of-living index of 89.36 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lynchburg.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lynchburg
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,546.67 | $6,702 | $80,427 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $928.00 | $4,021 | $48,256 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $618.67 | $2,681 | $32,171 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Lynchburg) | $38.67 |
| 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 Lynchburg, VA earn a median of $80,428 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.20% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 1.90% above the Virginia state average of $78,929.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.67/hr = $48,256/year (purchasing power: $54,000).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $80,427/year (purchasing power: $90,000).
CoL index: 89.363 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$35.81/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.61/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.67/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+11.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Lynchburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35.81/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $36.01/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.00/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.42/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.86/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.45/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.61/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.67/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.75/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Lynchburg grew 5.0% from $35.81/hr (2019) to $37.61/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.75/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 Lynchburg 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 Lynchburg
Considering the dynamics of part-time work, a COTA in Lynchburg who works 24 hours a week could expect to earn approximately $48,000 annually, a figure that offers a decent living compared to full-time earnings in the area. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Lynchburg generally falls within a $30 to $45 per hour range, especially as clinicians face varying reimbursements due to the 15% Medicare cut from 2022 that continues to influence pay structures. Additionally, hourly rates can differ based on the employer type, with skilled nursing facilities and hospital contracts offering competitive pay but sometimes without benefits. Those looking for work in school districts or outpatient programs may find lower rates, making it vital for OTAs to weigh the benefits of lower pay against health insurance offerings. Negotiation strategies should focus on understanding specific employer policies and trends in Lynchburg, maximizing potential earnings while securing beneficial working conditions.
More salary data for Lynchburg, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Lynchburg in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Lynchburg?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Lynchburg paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Lynchburg?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Lynchburg?
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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 Lynchburg. 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, 5-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