Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Augusta, ME: $33.57 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Augusta, ME runs $33.57 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $69,812 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Augusta's regional price level (BEA RPP 99.6, 0% above national), each hour of work buys what $33.70 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,892 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Augusta, ME, the hourly pay for an occupational therapy assistant stands at $33.57, which is slightly below the national median of $35.74. This rate presents an appealing opportunity for part-time workers or those seeking per-diem roles, as professionals often find themselves in diverse settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and delivering home health services. The hourly earnings range from $26.12 at entry-level positions to $40.22 for those at the top end of the scale, creating viable options for both new graduates and seasoned practitioners. With these figures derived from annual salary estimates, they indicate a thoughtful approach for individuals considering their work-life balance while pursuing a career in this essential healthcare field.
About the Augusta Market
Salary estimated from Maine average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $26.12 | $208.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.79 | $238.35 |
| Median (P50) | $33.57 | $268.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.42 | $291.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.22 | $321.75 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Augusta
Based on $33.57/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.57/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Augusta, ME can expect to earn approximately $69,820 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,281. With a cost-of-living index of 99.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Augusta.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Augusta
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,342.70 | $5,818 | $69,820 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $805.62 | $3,491 | $41,892 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $537.08 | $2,327 | $27,928 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Augusta) | $33.57 |
| 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 Augusta, ME earn a median of $69,812 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.08% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 5.70% below the Maine state average of $74,032.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.57/hr = $41,892/year (purchasing power: $42,060).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $69,820/year (purchasing power: $70,101).
CoL index: 99.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$27.78/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.65/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.57/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Augusta (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.78/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.42/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.88/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.01/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.26/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.90/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.65/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.57/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.51/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Augusta grew 17.5% from $27.78/hr (2019) to $32.65/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.51/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 Augusta 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 Augusta
When considering part-time work as an occupational therapy assistant in Augusta, ME, a schedule of three days per week (approximately 24 hours) would yield substantial income but much less than a full-time commitment would provide. Typically, part-time COTAs might take home around $52,960 annually, which leaves them with flexibility but also less predictable earnings. In the growing arena of per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Augusta, COTAs can bill between $30 and $45 per hour, with some travel contracts providing $1,100 to $1,700 weekly. However, changes in reimbursement rates since the 15% Medicare cut have affected pay structures in skilled nursing facilities. Salary variations will depend heavily on the employer type, with positions in outpatient clinics often offering better hourly rates than school district contracts. Negotiating salary can sometimes involve choosing between higher pay without benefits or lower pay with health insurance. Thus, it's crucial for occupational therapy assistants to evaluate their personal needs and plan their negotiations accordingly for a sustainable career path.
More salary data for Augusta, ME:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Augusta in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Augusta?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Augusta paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Augusta?
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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 Augusta. 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 Augusta 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