Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Gaithersburg, MD: $39.35 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Gaithersburg, MD runs $39.35 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $81,838 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Gaithersburg's regional price level (BEA RPP 109.3, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.00 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,103 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Gaithersburg, Maryland, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay is projected to be $39.35 in 2026, which is significantly higher than the national median hourly rate of $35.74. This figure reflects the competitive nature of the local job market and suggests that COTAs in the area can expect a favorable compensation structure that meets or exceeds the national benchmark. For part-time professionals working within various settings, such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, school therapy environments, outpatient clinics, and home health visits, this hourly rate can provide a solid income base. Entry-level occupational therapy assistants might earn around $27.69 per hour, while experienced practitioners can command rates as high as $47.25 per hour, underlining the potential for salary growth in this field.
About the Gaithersburg 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) | $27.69 | $221.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.04 | $264.35 |
| Median (P50) | $39.35 | $314.76 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43.27 | $346.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.25 | $378.01 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Gaithersburg
Based on $39.35/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.35/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Gaithersburg, MD can expect to earn approximately $81,838 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,214. With a cost-of-living index of 109.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Gaithersburg.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Gaithersburg
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,573.82 | $6,820 | $81,838 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $944.29 | $4,092 | $49,103 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $629.53 | $2,728 | $32,735 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Gaithersburg) | $39.35 |
| 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 Gaithersburg, MD earn a median of $81,838 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.10% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 0.70% above the Maryland state average of $81,269.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.35/hr = $49,103/year (purchasing power: $44,925).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $81,838/year (purchasing power: $74,875).
CoL index: 109.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$32.56/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.27/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.35/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Gaithersburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.56/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.32/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.68/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.01/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.47/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.11/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.27/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.35/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.45/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Gaithersburg grew 17.5% from $32.56/hr (2019) to $38.27/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.45/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 Gaithersburg 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 Gaithersburg
Part-time occupational therapy assistants working three days a week can significantly benefit from the hourly wage structure. A 24-hour workweek could yield an annual take-home pay of approximately $49,526, as opposed to the full-time potential. For those considering per-diem work, pay rates typically range from $30 to $45 per hour, offering flexibility but often without the benefits that come with full-time employment. Travel contracts can generate impressive weekly earnings between $1,100 and $1,700, though the post-2022 reimbursement cuts have pressured SNF agency rates. In Gaithersburg, hourly wages vary among different employers; positions in skilled nursing facilities or hospital settings may offer less than those in outpatient clinics or school contracts, impacting job choice based on compensation needs. Occupational therapy assistants may negotiate for better rates, but must also weigh the trade-offs of lower hourly pays against benefits such as health insurance provided by full-time positions.
More salary data for Gaithersburg, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Gaithersburg in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Gaithersburg?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Gaithersburg paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Gaithersburg?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Gaithersburg?
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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 Gaithersburg. 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 Gaithersburg 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