OT Assistant Salary

Cranston vs Warwick: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary (2026)

Compare occupational therapy assistant salaries between Cranston, RI and Warwick, RI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Cranston, RI
$73,071
$35.13/hr
Warwick, RI
$70,594
$33.94/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCranston, RIWarwick, RI
Median Salary$73,071$70,594
Hourly Rate$35.13$33.94
Entry Level (P10)$53,830$49,711
25th Percentile$63,164$59,519
75th Percentile$82,162$77,763
Top Earner (P90)$93,420$87,927
Total Employed1216
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Cranston ($73,071) and Warwick ($70,594) occupational therapy assistant salaries.CranstonWarwickMedian Salary$73,071$70,594Entry Level (P10)$53,830$49,711Top Earner (P90)$93,420$87,927US Median $74,332

Verdict

Cranston, RI offers better overall compensation for occupational therapy assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Warwick.

The salary gap between Cranston and Warwick is $2,477 (3.51%). Cranston's median is -1.70% compared to the US national median of $74,332.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cranston spans $39,590,Warwick spans $38,216. Cranston has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Cranston
P10 (Entry)$53,830
P25$63,164
Median$73,071
P75$82,162
P90 (Top)$93,420
Warwick
P10 (Entry)$49,711
P25$59,519
Median$70,594
P75$77,763
P90 (Top)$87,927

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Cranston ($72,707 effective) pays 3.51% more than Warwick ($70,243 effective).

Cranston
Nominal: $73,071
CoL Index: 100.5
Adjusted: $72,707
Warwick
Nominal: $70,594
CoL Index: 100.5
Adjusted: $70,243

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Cranston if…

  • Higher median salary ($73,071/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($93,420)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $72,707)
  • You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle

Choose Warwick if…

  • Larger job market (16 employed)
  • You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapy assistant salaries in Cranston grew 3.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -3.4% growth in Warwick over the same period.

Cranston, RI

+3.3%

$68,814 (2024) → $71,074 (2025)

Warwick, RI

+-3.4%

$71,059 (2024) → $68,665 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays occupational therapy assistants more: Cranston or Warwick?

Cranston has a higher median occupational therapy assistant salary at $73,071/year, compared to Warwick at $70,594/year — a difference of $2,477 (3.51%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Cranston and Warwick?

Cranston occupational therapy assistants earn $35.13/hr while Warwick hygienists earn $33.94/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Cranston to Warwick as a occupational therapy assistant?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Cranston and Warwick. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Cranston = $72,707, Warwick = $70,243), job availability (12 vs 16 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level occupational therapy assistants earn in Cranston vs Warwick?

Entry-level (10th percentile) occupational therapy assistants earn $53,830 in Cranston and $49,711 in Warwick. The Cranston area offers higher starting salaries.
JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, COTA/LData verified by Samuel Chen, OTR/L

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