Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Portland, ME: $31.98 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Portland, ME runs $31.98 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $66,518 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Portland's regional price level (BEA RPP 101.9, 2% above national), each hour of work buys what $31.40 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,916 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Portland, Maine, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay reaches a median of $31.98, which is notably lower than the national median of $35.74. This wage reflects the unique landscape of the profession in the region, especially for part-time professionals who might work three days a week in settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, and outpatient clinics. For those considering per-diem roles, the hourly rates can vary significantly as well, ranging from $27.34 for entry-level positions to $37.33 for experienced practitioners. These figures are derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics data, shedding light on what occupational therapy assistants can expect based on their experience and work setting.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $27.34 | $218.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.77 | $254.15 |
| Median (P50) | $31.98 | $255.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.37 | $290.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.33 | $298.64 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Portland
Based on $31.98/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.98/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Portland, ME can expect to earn approximately $66,527 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,381. With a cost-of-living index of 101.86 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Portland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Portland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,279.37 | $5,544 | $66,527 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $767.62 | $3,326 | $39,916 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $511.75 | $2,218 | $26,611 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Portland) | $31.98 |
| 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 Portland, ME earn a median of $66,518 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.51% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 10.20% below the Maine state average of $74,074.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.98/hr = $39,916/year (purchasing power: $39,188).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $66,527/year (purchasing power: $65,314).
CoL index: 101.858 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.47/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.11/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.98/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Portland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.47/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.08/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.56/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.55/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.83/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.68/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.11/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.98/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.88/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Portland grew 17.5% from $26.47/hr (2019) to $31.11/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.88/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 Portland 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 Portland
Looking at the part-time earning potential, a COTA working 24 hours a week can anticipate an annual take-home that substantially differs from those in full-time roles. Per diem positions often attract professionals with their flexibility, though the compensation can fluctuate from $30 to $45 per hour, depending on the agency or contract. Skilled nursing facilities, school districts, and home health agencies typically offer varied hourly rates, making specific negotiations crucial for occupational therapy assistants in Portland. Factors like health insurance and other benefits can influence decisions, with some COTAs opting for lower hourly rates in exchange for more comprehensive benefits. For effective negotiations, knowing the current market rates and what employers offer is essential, particularly in light of recent reimbursement changes affecting pay levels in skilled nursing and outpatient environments.
More salary data for Portland, ME:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Portland in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Portland?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Portland paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Portland?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Portland?
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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 Portland. 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, 4-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