Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Severn, MD: $38.20 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Severn, MD runs $38.20 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $79,464 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Severn'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

In Severn, Maryland, the projected median hourly pay for an occupational therapy assistant is $38.20, which exceeds the national median of $35.74. This competitive hourly rate makes the profession appealing to both full-time employees and those seeking part-time or per-diem work. For part-time occupational therapy assistants working three days a week, the consistent hourly pay allows for a reliable income while balancing other responsibilities. Entry-level positions usually start around $28.10, while seasoned professionals can earn up to $47.45 per hour, reflecting a wide spectrum of experience levels across various work environments such as skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and home health care. These hourly estimates, derived from annual salary data, give a clear picture of the financial prospects for COTAs in this region.
About the Severn 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) | $28.10 | $224.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.02 | $264.18 |
| Median (P50) | $38.20 | $305.63 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.09 | $336.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.45 | $379.57 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Severn
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 Severn, 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 Severn.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Severn
| 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 (Severn) | $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 Severn, MD earn a median of $79,464 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.90% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 2.20% below the Maryland state average of $81,251.
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 Severn (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 Severn 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 Severn 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 Severn
For occupational therapy assistants considering part-time work, a typical schedule of 24 hours per week brings in significant income, though full-time employment generally results in a substantial boost in overall earnings. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Severn can range between $30 and $45 per hour, with travel contracts offering even higher compensation, between $1,100 and $1,700 weekly. However, it's crucial to acknowledge that the push for lower reimbursement rates after the 15% cut in 2022 has affected pay scales, especially in skilled nursing facilities and outpatient settings. Various employer types offer differing hourly rates; for example, school districts may provide lower rates in exchange for benefits, while agencies may pay higher hourly wages without health coverage. When negotiating positions, COTAs in Severn should weigh the benefits of higher hourly compensation against the security of benefits like health insurance, ensuring they find the right balance for their career preferences.
More salary data for Severn, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Severn in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Severn?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Severn paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Severn?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Severn?
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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 Severn. 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 Severn 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