Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Biddeford, ME: $51,138 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapy assistants entering the Biddeford, ME job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $51,138 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Biddeford's local price level (BEA RPP 99.6 — 0% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $51,343 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($70,047) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the field of occupational therapy assistant roles in Biddeford, ME, the starting occupational therapy assistant salary Biddeford in 2026 is estimated at $51,138. This figure is significantly below the city's median annual salary of $70,047, leaving a gap that can appear daunting for recent graduates. However, it's essential to recognize that entry-level pay increases can be expected over time, climbing from the P10 figure to approximately $59,719 at the P25 level as the COTA gains experience. This growth trajectory positions Biddeford as a relatively promising market for newcomers, particularly given the projected annual growth rate of 2.81% in the field, allowing for a gradual rise in salary as new grads establish themselves within the workforce.
About the Biddeford Market
Salary estimated from Maine average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Biddeford
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Biddeford
Entry-level occupational therapy assistants in Biddeford, ME typically start between $51,138 and $59,719 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $29,060 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $70,047 — 5.76% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in Maine of $24,000 represents just 46.93% of the starting occupational therapy assistant pay ($51,138/year) in Biddeford. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on ACOTE-accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant associate degree programs. Tuition varies between community college and private technical school settings.
OTA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Biddeford
- 1Research the Biddeford market: entry-level occupational therapy assistant pay ranges from $51,138 to $59,719, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the occupational therapy field — employers in ME often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Biddeford, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Biddeford for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Biddeford's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Compensation Range
The occupational therapy assistant wage spread in Biddeford is $29,060 ( 56.83%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $51,138, experienced hygienists can earn up to $80,198.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$40,312
2025 BLS Actual
$49,740
2026 Current Est.
$51,138
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Biddeford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,312 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,712 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,219 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,311 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,016 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,405 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,740 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,138 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,575 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapy assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Biddeford, ME grew 23.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $40,312 in 2019 to $49,740 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $52,575. New graduates entering the Biddeford job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Biddeford metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.81% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your occupational therapy Career in Biddeford
In terms of employment opportunities, various local institutions in Biddeford actively recruit entry-level occupational therapy assistants. Skilled nursing facilities (SNF) tend to hire the most new grads, offering valuable training and mentorship in a supportive environment. School districts also provide attractive options, with summer-off schedules appealing to many newly minted COTAs. While outpatient clinics often prefer experienced practitioners, they may offer training in specific areas such as pediatric therapy. Securing credentials from an ACOTE-accredited OTA program, passing the NBCOT national exam, and obtaining a state OTA license remain critical steps for enhancing one’s marketability and starting pay in ME. Given the recent Medicare Part B cut of 15% for OTA-provided services, new professionals may see compressed wages initially. However, with strategic career development and the potential for further credentialing—such as pursuing COTA to MOT bridge pathways—recent graduates can realistically expect salary growth aligned with state and national trends in the first few years.
More salary data for Biddeford, ME:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is occupational therapy school worth it in Biddeford?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new occupational therapy graduates. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Biddeford. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Biddeford is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.81%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for occupational therapy assistants (SOC 31-2011).
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