Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in West Haven, CT: $53,966 (2026)

Employers in West Haven that frequently hire new graduates include skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), which are often the primary entry point for entry-level occupational therapy assistants. School districts provide additional opportunities, especially since they offer schedules that allow for significant time off during the summer. Meanwhile, outpatient clinics typically prefer hiring experienced COTAs, although they may also train fresh graduates in specialized areas like pediatric or hand-therapy support. To enhance their starting pay in Connecticut, new professionals should consider obtaining credentials such as an associate's degree from an ACOTE-accredited OTA program, passing the NBCOT exam to earn their COTA credential, and acquiring the necessary state licenses. Given the 15% Medicare Part B cut for OTA-provided services that began impacting the industry in 2022, newly graduated assistants should adopt a strategic approach in their first years to navigate salary expectations effectively. Gradually, they can expect to see realistic salary increases with experience, particularly as they build relationships and gain competence under the supervision of licensed occupational therapists, all while potentially considering furthering their education through COTA-to-MOT bridge pathways.