Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Bridgeport, CT: $36.44 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Bridgeport, CT runs $36.44 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $75,781 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Bridgeport's regional price level (BEA RPP 106.9, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $34.10 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $45,472 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Bridgeport, Connecticut, the expected median hourly pay for an occupational therapy assistant is projected to be $36.44 in 2026, surpassing the national median of $35.74. This relatively competitive rate offers promising earning potential for those considering part-time roles or per-diem positions, whether working in skilled nursing facility therapy rooms, hospital rehabilitation units, school therapy settings, outpatient clinics, or providing home health visits. For entry-level positions, occupational therapy assistants in this area can expect to earn around $30.64 per hour, while experienced professionals at the top of their field can earn as much as $40.42 per hour, according to official BLS data.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30.64 | $245.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.82 | $254.56 |
| Median (P50) | $36.44 | $291.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.32 | $298.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.42 | $323.40 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bridgeport
Based on $36.44/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.44/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bridgeport, CT can expect to earn approximately $75,787 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $43,723. With a cost-of-living index of 106.86 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bridgeport.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bridgeport
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,457.43 | $6,316 | $75,787 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $874.46 | $3,789 | $45,472 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $582.97 | $2,526 | $30,315 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Bridgeport) | $36.44 |
| Occupational Therapist (National Avg) | $47.00 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Athletic Trainer (National Avg) | $27.85 |
| Recreational Therapist (National Avg) | $27.50 |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Bridgeport, CT earn a median of $75,781 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.95% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 0.90% above the Connecticut state average of $75,105.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.44/hr = $45,472/year (purchasing power: $42,551).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $75,787/year (purchasing power: $70,919).
CoL index: 106.864 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$30.94/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.44/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.44/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+21.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Bridgeport (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.94/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.17/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.66/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.32/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.59/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.08/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.44/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.44/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.46/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Bridgeport grew 14.5% from $30.94/hr (2019) to $35.44/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.46/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem occupational therapy assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bridgeport 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.
Working as an Hourly Occupational Therapy Assistant in Bridgeport
When evaluating the earning potential for a part-time occupational therapy assistant in Bridgeport working three days per week, an annual salary would differ significantly compared to full-time employment. Depending on the hours worked, a 24-hour work week can yield a take-home income of approximately $45,000, which is a viable option for many who do not seek full-time positions. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Bridgeport typically ranges from $30 to $45 per hour, while travel contracts can offer weekly pay between $1,100 to $1,700. Working in various settings, COTAs often see hourly rates fluctuate based on employer type, with school district contracts sometimes providing better benefits compared to higher hourly wages in outpatient clinics. Another consideration for occupational therapy assistants is the trade-off between higher pay and the added security of health benefits; some may choose to accept lower hourly rates in exchange for health insurance coverage. To negotiate effectively, professionals should be aware of the local market trends and compensation structures relevant to their specific roles in order to secure the best deal in this evolving field.
More salary data for Bridgeport, CT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Bridgeport in 2026?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for occupational therapy assistants in Bridgeport. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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