Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Central Falls, RI: $33.14 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Central Falls, RI runs $33.14 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $68,926 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Central Falls's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.5, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $32.97 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,353 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Central Falls, Rhode Island, the projected median hourly pay for an occupational therapy assistant is $33.14, which is slightly below the national hourly median of $35.74. This hourly rate is significant for those considering part-time or per-diem work; for instance, a COTA working three days a week would earn a steady income while maintaining flexible hours. The pay range in Central Falls spans from entry-level positions starting at $25.60 to top earners making up to $38.36 per hour. Such diversity in the hourly rate reflects the varying levels of experience and types of employment, whether in skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, or home health visits. Understanding these figures can help aspiring COTAs gauge their earning potential within the common settings of their profession.
About the Central Falls Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25.60 | $204.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.28 | $234.24 |
| Median (P50) | $33.14 | $265.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.12 | $280.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.36 | $306.87 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Central Falls
Based on $33.14/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.14/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Central Falls, RI can expect to earn approximately $68,922 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,763. With a cost-of-living index of 100.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Central Falls.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Central Falls
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,325.43 | $5,744 | $68,922 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $795.26 | $3,446 | $41,353 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $530.17 | $2,297 | $27,569 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Central Falls) | $33.14 |
| 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 Central Falls, RI earn a median of $68,926 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.27% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 7.70% below the Rhode Island state average of $74,676.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.14/hr = $41,353/year (purchasing power: $41,148).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $68,922/year (purchasing power: $68,579).
CoL index: 100.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$27.42/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.23/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.14/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Central Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.42/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.06/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.52/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.64/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.87/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.21/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.23/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.14/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.07/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Central Falls grew 17.5% from $27.42/hr (2019) to $32.23/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.07/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 Central Falls 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 Central Falls
When considering the financial implications of part-time work, a COTA who operates at 24 hours per week will take home significantly less annually compared to a full-time counterpart. While per-diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Central Falls generally falls between $30 and $45 per hour, there are fluctuations depending on the specific employer type, with skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, or educational contracts often providing differing rates. COTAs accepting agency positions may even find traveling contracts offering $1,100 to $1,700 weekly, though recent reimbursement cuts could impact earnings in skilled nursing facilities. Furthermore, occupational therapy assistants face the choice of pursuing higher hourly wages without benefits versus lower pay that includes health insurance—a trade-off worth careful consideration. For successful negotiations, knowing the market rates in Central Falls and clearly outlining what they wish to prioritize in a compensation package can empower COTAs in this evolving job market.
More salary data for Central Falls, RI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Central Falls in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Central Falls?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Central Falls paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Central Falls?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Central Falls?
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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 Central Falls. 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 Central Falls 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