Hartford vs New Haven: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapy assistant salaries between Hartford, CT and New Haven, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hartford, CT | New Haven, CT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $73,766 | $75,504▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $35.47 | $36.30▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,730 | $63,557▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $63,814 | $64,709▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $81,354▲ | $81,210 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $84,685▲ | $83,687 |
| Total Employed | 240▲ | 110 |
Verdict
Hartford and New Haven are closely matched on overall occupational therapy assistant compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Hartford and New Haven is $1,738 (2.36%). 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 Hartford spans $23,955,New Haven spans $20,130. Hartford has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, New Haven ($72,212 effective) pays 0.58% more than Hartford ($71,795 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hartford if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($84,685)
- ✓Larger job market (240 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Choose New Haven if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($75,504/year)
- ✓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 Hartford grew 6.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 15.3% growth in New Haven over the same period.
Hartford, CT
$67,090 (2019) → $71,750 (2025)
New Haven, CT
$63,680 (2019) → $73,440 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hartford, CT
New Haven, CT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapy assistants more: Hartford or New Haven?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hartford and New Haven?
Should I relocate from Hartford to New Haven as a occupational therapy assistant?
What do entry-level occupational therapy assistants earn in Hartford vs New Haven?
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