Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Annapolis, MD: $38.20 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Annapolis, MD runs $38.20 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $79,466 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Annapolis's regional price level (BEA RPP 109.3, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $34.95 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,679 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
An occupational therapy assistant in Annapolis, Maryland, receives a median hourly pay of $38.20, which is notably higher than the national hourly median of $35.74. This competitive hourly rate benefits those working part-time or per-diem, especially in diverse settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and during home health visits. For those just starting their career in this field, hourly earnings range from $27.14 at the entry-level to $47.63 for top earners, reflecting the skills and experience one brings to the job. Given these figures, aspiring occupational therapy assistants can better understand the salary landscape as they pursue their COTA credentials through programs approved by institutions like AOTA and NBCOT.
About the Annapolis Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $27.14 | $217.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.15 | $257.19 |
| Median (P50) | $38.20 | $305.63 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.09 | $320.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.63 | $381.05 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Annapolis
Based on $38.20/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.20/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Annapolis, MD can expect to earn approximately $79,465 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,845. With a cost-of-living index of 109.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Annapolis.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Annapolis
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,528.17 | $6,622 | $79,465 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $916.90 | $3,973 | $47,679 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $611.27 | $2,649 | $31,786 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Annapolis) | $38.20 |
| 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 Annapolis, MD earn a median of $79,466 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.91% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 2.20% below the Maryland state average of $81,254.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.20/hr = $47,679/year (purchasing power: $43,622).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $79,465/year (purchasing power: $72,703).
CoL index: 109.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$31.61/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.16/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.20/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Annapolis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.61/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.35/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.73/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.02/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.44/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.01/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.16/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.20/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.28/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Annapolis grew 17.5% from $31.61/hr (2019) to $37.16/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.28/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 Annapolis 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 Annapolis
Looking ahead, the earning potential for part-time occupational therapy assistants working three days a week, totaling 24 hours, can be significantly lower compared to their full-time colleagues. They might see annual earnings markedly reduced when factoring in fewer weekly hours. On the other hand, per diem occupational therapy assistants in Annapolis often command between $30 and $45 per hour, while travel contracts provide a weekly payout ranging from $1,100 to $1,700. Various employment settings lead to differing pay; for example, skilled nursing facilities or school district contracts might offer lower hourly wages compared to outpatient clinic rates. Benefit packages can influence compensation dynamics, as some occupational therapy assistants opt for lower hourly rates that include health insurance over higher rates without such perks. Engaging local employers for salary negotiations can yield favorable outcomes; it’s advisable to research the specific hourly rates offered at local facilities to gain leverage in discussions.
More salary data for Annapolis, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Annapolis in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Annapolis?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Annapolis paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Annapolis?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Annapolis?
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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 Annapolis. 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 Annapolis 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