OT Assistant Salary

Groton vs New Haven: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary (2026)

Compare occupational therapy assistant salaries between Groton, CT and New Haven, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Groton, CT
$72,780
$34.99/hr
New Haven, CT
$75,504
$36.30/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricGroton, CTNew Haven, CT
Median Salary$72,780$75,504
Hourly Rate$34.99$36.30
Entry Level (P10)$50,549$63,557
25th Percentile$64,878$64,709
75th Percentile$79,944$81,210
Top Earner (P90)$89,275$83,687
Total Employed6110
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Groton ($72,780) and New Haven ($75,504) occupational therapy assistant salaries.GrotonNew HavenMedian Salary$72,780$75,504Entry Level (P10)$50,549$63,557Top Earner (P90)$89,275$83,687US Median $74,332

Verdict

New Haven, CT offers better overall compensation for occupational therapy assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Groton.

The salary gap between Groton and New Haven is $2,724 (3.74%). New Haven's median is +1.58% compared to the US national median of $74,332.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Groton spans $38,726,New Haven spans $20,130. Groton has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Groton
P10 (Entry)$50,549
P25$64,878
Median$72,780
P75$79,944
P90 (Top)$89,275
New Haven
P10 (Entry)$63,557
P25$64,709
Median$75,504
P75$81,210
P90 (Top)$83,687

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, New Haven ($72,212 effective) pays 7.06% more than Groton ($67,451 effective).

Groton
Nominal: $72,780
CoL Index: 107.9
Adjusted: $67,451
New Haven
Nominal: $75,504
CoL Index: 104.559
Adjusted: $72,212

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Groton if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($89,275)
  • You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle

Choose New Haven if…

  • Higher median salary ($75,504/year)
  • Larger job market (110 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $72,212)
  • You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapy assistant salaries in Groton grew -6.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 15.3% growth in New Haven over the same period.

Groton, CT

+-6.0%

$75,306 (2024) → $70,791 (2025)

New Haven, CT

+15.3%

$63,680 (2019) → $73,440 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays occupational therapy assistants more: Groton or New Haven?

New Haven has a higher median occupational therapy assistant salary at $75,504/year, compared to Groton at $72,780/year — a difference of $2,724 (3.74%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Groton and New Haven?

Groton occupational therapy assistants earn $34.99/hr while New Haven hygienists earn $36.30/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Groton to New Haven as a occupational therapy assistant?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Groton and New Haven. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Groton = $67,451, New Haven = $72,212), job availability (6 vs 110 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level occupational therapy assistants earn in Groton vs New Haven?

Entry-level (10th percentile) occupational therapy assistants earn $50,549 in Groton and $63,557 in New Haven. The New Haven 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