Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Nashua, NH: $34.11 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Nashua, NH runs $34.11 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $70,954 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Nashua's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.3, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $31.79 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,572 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Nashua, New Hampshire, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay is projected to be $34.11 in 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $35.74. This wage reflects the competitive nature of the healthcare sector, especially in settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, outpatient clinics, and school therapy programs. For occupational therapy assistants, working part-time—such as three days a week—can yield a stable income while allowing flexibility. Hourly pay for those just starting in the field can begin at around $23.44, while more experienced practitioners may earn up to $41.50 per hour. It’s essential to understand that these hourly wages are derived from annual salary data estimates, providing a useful framework for gauging potential earnings in this profession.
About the Nashua 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) | $23.44 | $187.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.22 | $225.77 |
| Median (P50) | $34.11 | $272.90 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.09 | $296.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.50 | $332.04 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Nashua
Based on $34.11/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.11/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Nashua, NH can expect to earn approximately $70,954 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,935. With a cost-of-living index of 107.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Nashua.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Nashua
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,364.49 | $5,913 | $70,954 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $818.70 | $3,548 | $42,572 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $545.80 | $2,365 | $28,381 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Nashua) | $34.11 |
| 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 Nashua, NH earn a median of $70,954 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.54% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 11.00% below the New Hampshire state average of $79,724.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.11/hr = $42,572/year (purchasing power: $39,676).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $70,954/year (purchasing power: $66,126).
CoL index: 107.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.23/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.18/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.11/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Nashua (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.23/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.88/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.33/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.49/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.75/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.97/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.18/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.11/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.07/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Nashua grew 17.5% from $28.23/hr (2019) to $33.18/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.07/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 Nashua 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 Nashua
Part-time occupational therapy assistants, for instance, bringing home a weekly income of approximately $1,636 based on a 24-hour workweek, could expect to earn around $85,060 annually if on a full-time schedule. However, many COTAs also opt for per diem work, which allows greater autonomy. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Nashua tends to range from $30 to $45 an hour, with travel contracts potentially yielding between $1,100 and $1,700 weekly. Depending on the employer, whether it be a skilled nursing facility or a home health agency, compensation can differ substantially. Some occupational therapy assistants choose positions that offer lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits such as health insurance. For those looking to maximize earnings in Nashua, negotiating not only for pay but for favorable terms could yield better overall job satisfaction and financial stability.
More salary data for Nashua, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Nashua in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Nashua?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Nashua paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Nashua?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Nashua?
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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 Nashua. 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 Nashua 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