Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Norwich, CT: $36.10 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Norwich, CT runs $36.10 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $75,082 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Norwich's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.4, 0% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.94 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $45,049 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Norwich, Connecticut, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay reaches a median of $36.10, surpassing the national median hourly rate of $35.74. This rate provides a competitive compensation for a range of roles that COTAs fill, including positions within skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and home health visits. For those working part-time, such as on a three-day-a-week schedule, this hourly wage translates into substantial earnings, allowing for flexibility while still supporting a stable income. The hourly wage can vary significantly, ranging from $29.78 at the entry level to as high as $39.92 for the most experienced professionals in the field, illustrating the potential for growth within this rewarding career.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29.78 | $238.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.76 | $254.06 |
| Median (P50) | $36.10 | $288.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.87 | $310.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.92 | $319.37 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Norwich
Based on $36.10/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.10/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Norwich, CT can expect to earn approximately $75,081 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $43,316. With a cost-of-living index of 100.44 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Norwich.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Norwich
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,443.86 | $6,257 | $75,081 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $866.32 | $3,754 | $45,049 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $577.55 | $2,503 | $30,032 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Norwich) | $36.10 |
| 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 Norwich, CT earn a median of $75,082 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.01% higher than the national median of $74,332.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.10/hr = $45,049/year (purchasing power: $44,849).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $75,081/year (purchasing power: $74,748).
CoL index: 100.445 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$31.21/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.11/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.10/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+18.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Norwich (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.21/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.66/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.49/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.13/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.64/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.99/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.11/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.10/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.11/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Norwich grew 12.5% from $31.21/hr (2019) to $35.11/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.11/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 Norwich 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 Norwich
Looking at the broader earnings picture, a part-time occupational therapy assistant working 24 hours a week might expect their annual income to fall short of what full-time counterparts earn, depending on their negotiated hourly rate and the settings in which they work. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Norwich can range between $30 and $45 per hour, with travel contracts providing further options that total around $1,100 to $1,700 weekly. Although skilled nursing facilities may offer hourly rates on the lower end due to the impacts of the 15% Medicare cut, employment in schools or outpatient clinics may yield higher compensation. Additionally, while some COTAs may choose to work for less than the market rate for the stability that comes with benefits, others may prioritize higher hourly wages. When negotiating pay, occupational therapy assistants in Norwich are encouraged to consider both immediate financial needs and long-term career growth.
More salary data for Norwich, CT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Norwich in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Norwich?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Norwich paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Norwich?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Norwich?
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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 Norwich. 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