Baltimore vs Silver Spring: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapy assistant salaries between Baltimore, MD and Silver Spring, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Baltimore, MD | Silver Spring, MD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $84,942▲ | $79,168 |
| Hourly Rate | $40.84▲ | $38.06 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,443▲ | $57,845 |
| 25th Percentile | $76,758▲ | $68,078 |
| 75th Percentile | $86,042 | $88,538▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $91,419 | $97,935▲ |
| Total Employed | 310▲ | 12 |
Verdict
Baltimore, MD offers better overall compensation for occupational therapy assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Silver Spring.
The salary gap between Baltimore and Silver Spring is $5,774 (7.29%). Baltimore's median is +14.27% compared to the US national median of $74,332.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Baltimore spans $23,976,Silver Spring spans $40,090. Silver Spring has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced occupational therapy assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Baltimore ($81,294 effective) pays 12.24% more than Silver Spring ($72,432 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Baltimore if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($84,942/year)
- ✓Larger job market (310 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $81,294)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Choose Silver Spring if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($97,935)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapy assistant salaries in Baltimore grew 34.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 0.4% growth in Silver Spring over the same period.
Baltimore, MD
$61,430 (2019) → $82,620 (2025)
Silver Spring, MD
$76,684 (2024) → $77,004 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Baltimore, MD
Silver Spring, MD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapy assistants more: Baltimore or Silver Spring?
What is the hourly rate difference between Baltimore and Silver Spring?
Should I relocate from Baltimore to Silver Spring as a occupational therapy assistant?
What do entry-level occupational therapy assistants earn in Baltimore vs Silver Spring?
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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.81% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
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