Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Derry, NH: $36.81 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Derry, NH runs $36.81 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $76,551 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Derry's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.3, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $34.30 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $45,934 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Derry, New Hampshire, the hourly pay for occupational therapy assistants is projected to be $36.81 in 2026, exceeding the national hourly median of $35.74. This hourly rate translates into a solid earning potential for part-time workers who typically operate on a three-day workweek; such professionals can expect to earn around $1,110 weekly based on a 24-hour work schedule. For per-diem occupational therapy assistants in Derry, compensation generally ranges from $30 to $45 per hour, making it a flexible option for those seeking varied work environments, including skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and home health visits. The hourly range begins at $28.04 for entry-level positions and can go up to $45.83 for seasoned professionals, reflecting both experience and specialized skills.
About the Derry Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $28.04 | $224.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.36 | $258.92 |
| Median (P50) | $36.81 | $294.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.76 | $326.11 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.83 | $366.66 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Derry
Based on $36.81/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.81/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Derry, NH can expect to earn approximately $76,556 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,167. With a cost-of-living index of 107.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Derry.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Derry
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,472.24 | $6,380 | $76,556 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $883.34 | $3,828 | $45,934 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $588.90 | $2,552 | $30,623 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Derry) | $36.81 |
| 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 Derry, NH earn a median of $76,551 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.99% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 4.00% below the New Hampshire state average of $79,741.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.81/hr = $45,934/year (purchasing power: $42,809).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $76,556/year (purchasing power: $71,348).
CoL index: 107.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$30.46/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.80/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.81/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Derry (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.46/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.17/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.57/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.81/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.18/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.67/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.80/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.81/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.84/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Derry grew 17.5% from $30.46/hr (2019) to $35.80/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.84/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 Derry 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 Derry
Examining the potential earnings, a part-time occupational therapy assistant working 24 hours weekly may feel the financial pinch when compared to full-time opportunities, but the flexibility can attract many. Annual take-home pay for these professionals varies, as those in per diem roles often see fluctuations in their earnings based on the demand for services and specific contract terms. Job settings in Derry play a critical role in determining pay scales; for instance, those employed in skilled nursing facilities might earn less compared to their counterparts in outpatient clinics or schools. With the ongoing effects of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut for OTA-provided services still impacting rates since 2022, many occupational therapy assistants face difficult choices. They may accept lower hourly pay for the benefits associated with full-time employment or negotiate higher rates without benefits. Negotiating effectively with employers, emphasizing relevant experience and specialties while staying informed about market rates, can lead to better pay outcomes in various settings throughout Derry.
More salary data for Derry, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Derry in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Derry?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Derry paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Derry?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Derry?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in New Hampshire
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 Derry. 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 Derry 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