Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Naugatuck, CT: $34.59 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Naugatuck, CT runs $34.59 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $71,947 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Naugatuck's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.9, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $32.05 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $43,162 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the hourly pay for an occupational therapy assistant in Naugatuck, Connecticut is projected to be $34.59, slightly lower than the national median of $35.74. This rate opens various opportunities for part-time and per-diem workers in settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and during home health visits. The hourly range for this profession in Naugatuck spans from $26.26 at the lower end for entry-level positions to as high as $41.75 for the most experienced therapists. These estimates are derived from annual salary data, and they reflect the growing need for occupational therapy assistants within the healthcare system, particularly following the Medicare reimbursement cuts that have impacted service delivery.
About the Naugatuck Market
Salary estimated from Connecticut average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $26.26 | $210.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.59 | $236.71 |
| Median (P50) | $34.59 | $276.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.51 | $300.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.75 | $334.01 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Naugatuck
Based on $34.59/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.59/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Naugatuck, CT can expect to earn approximately $71,937 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,502. With a cost-of-living index of 107.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Naugatuck.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Naugatuck
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,383.41 | $5,995 | $71,937 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $830.05 | $3,597 | $43,162 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $553.36 | $2,398 | $28,775 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Naugatuck) | $34.59 |
| 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 Naugatuck, CT earn a median of $71,947 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.21% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 4.20% below the Connecticut state average of $75,102.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.59/hr = $43,162/year (purchasing power: $40,002).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $71,937/year (purchasing power: $66,670).
CoL index: 107.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.62/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.64/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.59/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Naugatuck (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.62/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.28/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.72/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.89/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.18/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.79/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.64/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.59/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.56/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Naugatuck grew 17.5% from $28.62/hr (2019) to $33.64/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.56/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 Naugatuck 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 Naugatuck
Considering part-time employment, a three-day workweek averaging 24 hours means that an occupational therapy assistant in Naugatuck could earn approximately $43,029 annually, which significantly differs from a full-time salary. For per-diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Naugatuck, providers often see billing rates between $30 and $45 per hour; travel contracts can range from $1,100 to $1,700 weekly. Employment settings also influence hourly rates, with skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, and school contracts often offering varied compensation. While some assistants may prefer positions with lower pay but more benefits, others opt for higher hourly rates without such coverage. For COTAs negotiating salaries in Naugatuck, it's advantageous to emphasize specialized skills, flexibility, or additional certifications while weighing potential earnings against job stability and benefits offered by different employers.
More salary data for Naugatuck, CT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Naugatuck in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Naugatuck?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Naugatuck paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Naugatuck?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Naugatuck?
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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 Naugatuck. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Naugatuck 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