Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Keene, NH: $36.73 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Keene, NH runs $36.73 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $76,415 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Keene's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.3, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $34.23 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $45,844 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Keene, New Hampshire, the projected median hourly pay for occupational therapy assistants is $36.73, surpassing the national median hourly rate of $35.74. This competitive pay reflects the specialized skills COTAs bring to various settings such as skilled nursing facilities, rehabilitation hospitals, school systems, and outpatient clinics. The hourly pay range for these professionals in Keene extends from $27.46 for entry-level positions to $42.94 for more experienced assistants. This structure allows those considering part-time positions, such as working three days a week, to earn a substantially good wage, particularly in per-diem roles which are often structured around flexible scheduling based on patient needs and facility requirements. These hourly rates are derived from annual salary projections, making them significant for those weighing their options in this rewarding field.
About the Keene 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) | $27.46 | $219.68 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.90 | $255.22 |
| Median (P50) | $36.73 | $293.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.19 | $313.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.94 | $343.55 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Keene
Based on $36.73/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.73/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Keene, NH can expect to earn approximately $76,407 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,081. With a cost-of-living index of 107.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Keene.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Keene
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,469.36 | $6,367 | $76,407 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $881.62 | $3,820 | $45,844 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $587.74 | $2,547 | $30,563 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Keene) | $36.73 |
| 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 Keene, NH earn a median of $76,415 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.80% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 4.20% below the New Hampshire state average of $79,765.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.73/hr = $45,844/year (purchasing power: $42,725).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $76,407/year (purchasing power: $71,209).
CoL index: 107.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$30.40/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.73/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.73/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Keene (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.40/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.10/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.51/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.75/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.12/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.61/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.73/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.73/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.77/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Keene grew 17.5% from $30.40/hr (2019) to $35.73/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.77/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 Keene 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 Keene
For part-time occupational therapy assistants in Keene, working 24 hours a week could yield an annual income around $46,048, which is a realistic expectation compared to full-time earnings. This flexibility may appeal to those balancing other commitments or pursuing additional education in fields like Occupational Therapy to bridge to a Master’s program. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Keene often ranges from $30 to $45 per hour, while travel COTA contracts can command between $1,100 and $1,700 weekly. Notably, agency positions in skilled nursing facilities may now offer lower rates due to changes in Medicare reimbursement since 2022. Additionally, the hourly pay may differ across employers; positions in hospitals or outpatient clinics often provide superior benefits packages, which could justify a higher hourly wage against lower-paying roles with no health insurance. Negotiating these aspects is vital in the competitive job market, particularly for those starting their careers as COTAs in Keene.
More salary data for Keene, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Keene in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Keene?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Keene paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Keene?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Keene?
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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 Keene. 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 Keene 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