Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in West Hartford, CT: $34.62 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in West Hartford, CT runs $34.62 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $71,993 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against West Hartford's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.9, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $32.08 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $43,201 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In West Hartford, Connecticut, the projected hourly pay for an occupational therapy assistant is $34.62. When compared to the national hourly median of $35.74, this figure indicates a slight difference, with local pay falling short by approximately 3.15%. This hourly rate is particularly relevant for those seeking positions working part-time or as per-diem professionals in diverse environments such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and during home health visits. For entry-level occupational therapy assistants, starting wages can be around $24.68, while experienced professionals may earn up to $43.50 per hour. These figures illustrate the earning potential within the field while emphasizing the importance of understanding the local market dynamics and compensation structures.
About the West Hartford 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) | $24.68 | $197.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.41 | $235.31 |
| Median (P50) | $34.62 | $276.93 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.36 | $306.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.50 | $347.99 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in West Hartford
Based on $34.62/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.62/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in West Hartford, CT can expect to earn approximately $72,002 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,539. With a cost-of-living index of 107.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in West Hartford.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in West Hartford
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,384.65 | $6,000 | $72,002 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $830.79 | $3,600 | $43,201 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $553.86 | $2,400 | $28,801 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (West Hartford) | $34.62 |
| 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 West Hartford, CT earn a median of $71,993 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.15% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 4.10% below the Connecticut state average of $75,071.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.62/hr = $43,201/year (purchasing power: $40,038).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $72,002/year (purchasing power: $66,730).
CoL index: 107.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.65/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.67/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.62/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in West Hartford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.65/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.31/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.75/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.92/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.21/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.09/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.67/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.62/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.59/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in West Hartford grew 17.5% from $28.65/hr (2019) to $33.67/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.59/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 West Hartford 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 West Hartford
Focusing on part-time opportunities, a COTA working three days a week, approximately 24 hours, could anticipate earnings of around $53,124 annually compared to a full-time colleague earning a median of $72,993. In terms of per diem roles, occupational therapy assistants commonly earn between $30 to $45 per hour, while travel contracts may boost earnings significantly to between $1,100 and $1,700 weekly. Variations in hourly rates are common based on the type of facility, with settings like skilled nursing facilities and outpatient clinics reflecting different market demand factors. Some COTAs might accept lower hourly rates in exchange for comprehensive benefits like health insurance, making it valuable to negotiate accordingly. For those entering the market, understanding the competitive landscape and knowing the norms for hourly wages in West Hartford could provide leverage in discussions with potential employers, ensuring they secure a fair rate aligned with industry expectations.
More salary data for West Hartford, CT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in West Hartford in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in West Hartford?
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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 West Hartford. 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 West Hartford 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