Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Biddeford, ME: $33.68 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Biddeford, ME runs $33.68 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $70,047 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Biddeford's regional price level (BEA RPP 99.6, 0% above national), each hour of work buys what $33.82 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,033 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Biddeford, Maine, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay is projected to be $33.68 per hour in 2026, which reflects a slight decrease of 5.76% compared to the national median of $35.74 per hour. This hourly rate offers significant potential for part-time work, especially for individuals seeking to work three days a week in various therapy environments such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, outpatient clinics, and school therapy rooms. The hourly range for occupational therapy assistants in the area spans from $24.58 for entry-level positions to $38.55 for those at the top of the pay scale. These figures, derived from annual salary estimates based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, provide crucial insights into the opportunities available within the local market, as well as the earning potential for per-diem workers.
About the Biddeford 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) | $24.58 | $196.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.71 | $229.72 |
| Median (P50) | $33.68 | $269.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.43 | $283.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.55 | $308.43 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Biddeford
Based on $33.68/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.68/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Biddeford, ME can expect to earn approximately $70,056 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,417. With a cost-of-living index of 99.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Biddeford.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Biddeford
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,347.22 | $5,838 | $70,056 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $808.33 | $3,503 | $42,033 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $538.89 | $2,335 | $28,022 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Biddeford) | $33.68 |
| 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 Biddeford, ME earn a median of $70,047 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.76% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 5.40% below the Maine state average of $74,045.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.68/hr = $42,033/year (purchasing power: $42,202).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $70,056/year (purchasing power: $70,337).
CoL index: 99.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$27.87/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.76/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.68/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Biddeford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.87/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.52/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.97/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.11/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.36/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.00/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.76/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.68/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.63/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Biddeford grew 17.5% from $27.87/hr (2019) to $32.76/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.63/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 Biddeford 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 Biddeford
For those considering part-time opportunities, a 3-day workweek translating to 24 hours would yield an annual income significantly lower than what full-time employees make, highlighting a pay discrepancy common for those seeking flexibility. Per-diem occupational therapy assistants in Biddeford can expect to earn between $30 and $45 per hour, which can lead to robust earnings for those willing to work in multiple settings. Agency and travel contracts can provide an extra edge, with rates ranging from $1,100 to $1,700 weekly, although recent cuts from Medicare reimbursement have pressured pay in settings like skilled nursing facilities. This raises questions about the value of traditional employment against the potentially higher hourly pay offered by agencies, as many professionals weigh the benefits of health insurance and job stability against the allure of higher hourly wages. Successfully negotiating hourly pay often involves demonstrating flexibility in roles and understanding local payer systems, particularly in the wake of regulatory changes affecting COTAs.
More salary data for Biddeford, ME:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Biddeford in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Biddeford?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Biddeford paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Biddeford?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Biddeford?
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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 Biddeford. 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 Biddeford 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