Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in College Park, MD: $38.13 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in College Park, MD runs $38.13 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $79,309 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against College Park's regional price level (BEA RPP 109.3, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $34.89 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,589 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In College Park, Maryland, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay is projected to reach $38.13 by 2026, surpassing the national median of $35.74. This attractive rate allows professionals to earn a substantial income depending on their work arrangement, whether they are part-time or per-diem. For instance, a part-time occupational therapy assistant working three days a week in various settings such as skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and hospital rehab units can still enjoy competitive earnings. The hourly range for this role spans from approximately $26.80 for entry-level positions to $47.39 for the most experienced assistants, illustrating the potential for increased compensation with skills and time in the field. These figures are derived from annual salary data, but they reflect the dynamic nature of hourly work in this growing profession.
About the College Park 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) | $26.80 | $214.42 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.99 | $255.96 |
| Median (P50) | $38.13 | $305.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.17 | $337.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.39 | $379.08 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in College Park
Based on $38.13/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.13/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in College Park, MD can expect to earn approximately $79,315 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,759. With a cost-of-living index of 109.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in College Park.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in College Park
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,525.29 | $6,610 | $79,315 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $915.17 | $3,966 | $47,589 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $610.12 | $2,644 | $31,726 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (College Park) | $38.13 |
| 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 College Park, MD earn a median of $79,309 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.70% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 2.40% below the Maryland state average of $81,259.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.13/hr = $47,589/year (purchasing power: $43,540).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $79,315/year (purchasing power: $72,566).
CoL index: 109.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$31.55/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.09/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.13/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in College Park (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.55/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.29/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.67/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.96/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.38/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.93/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.09/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.13/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.20/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in College Park grew 17.5% from $31.55/hr (2019) to $37.09/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.20/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 College Park 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 College Park
Considering a part-time schedule, an occupational therapy assistant who works 24 hours a week could take home a respectable income, translating to more than $50,000 annually. For those working on a per-diem basis, the landscape shifts slightly, with hourly rates typically billed between $30 and $45; travel contracts may offer up to $1,700 weekly. With the recent 15% Medicare cut affecting reimbursement rates since 2022, many COTAs in College Park are feeling the pressure on their income, particularly those in skilled nursing facilities where agency pay has dipped. Each employer type presents its own pay scale; for example, school contracts might provide lower hourly rates but come with the benefits of job security and health insurance. Ultimately, occupational therapy assistants must weigh these considerations carefully when negotiating their hourly wages in College Park, ensuring they find a balance between competitive pay and the benefits that provide stability in their careers.
More salary data for College Park, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in College Park in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in College Park?
Are occupational therapy assistants in College Park paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in College Park?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in College Park?
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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 College Park. 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 College Park 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