Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in North Providence, RI: $34.46 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in North Providence, RI runs $34.46 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $71,671 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against North Providence's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.5, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $34.29 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $43,008 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In North Providence, the projected hourly pay for an occupational therapy assistant stands at $34.46, which is slightly lower than the national median hourly rate of $35.74. This figure reflects the compensation potential for those working part-time in various environments such as hospital rehab units, skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and even during home health visits. For instance, someone working three days a week could earn around $1,105 for a 24-hour week, allowing for flexible arrangements suited to personal circumstances. Hourly compensations range widely; entry-level positions may start at approximately $26.23, while experienced practitioners can earn upwards of $41.67 per hour. These figures highlight the accessible yet competitive wage structure available to occupational therapy assistants in RI.
About the North Providence 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) | $26.23 | $209.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.29 | $242.30 |
| Median (P50) | $34.46 | $275.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.40 | $299.22 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.67 | $333.35 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in North Providence
Based on $34.46/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.46/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in North Providence, RI can expect to earn approximately $71,681 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,354. With a cost-of-living index of 100.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in North Providence.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in North Providence
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,378.48 | $5,973 | $71,681 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $827.09 | $3,584 | $43,008 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $551.39 | $2,389 | $28,672 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (North Providence) | $34.46 |
| 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 North Providence, RI earn a median of $71,671 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.58% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 4.10% below the Rhode Island state average of $74,735.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.46/hr = $43,008/year (purchasing power: $42,794).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $71,681/year (purchasing power: $71,324).
CoL index: 100.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.52/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.52/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.46/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in North Providence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.52/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.18/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.62/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.79/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.07/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.45/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.52/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.46/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.43/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in North Providence grew 17.5% from $28.52/hr (2019) to $33.52/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.43/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 North Providence 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 North Providence
Part-time occupational therapy assistants in North Providence have unique financial dynamics. A COTA working three days a week at the projected rate effectively generates about $57,460 annually, which is a significant consideration when juxtaposed with the earning potential of full-time positions. For those taking on per diem roles, the traditional billing structure is often between $30 to $45 per hour, with travel contracts yielding between $1,100 and $1,700 weekly. Variations in hourly rates stem from different employer types, with agency positions sometimes offering premium rates despite reduced benefits. Some COTAs opt for lower hourly pay when benefits like health insurance are included, which could be more advantageous in the long run. Practical negotiation tips for hourly workers in North Providence include understanding market rates and being prepared to discuss value-added skills or certifications like NBCOT credentials, which can elevate one's bargaining position in a competitive job market.
More salary data for North Providence, RI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in North Providence in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in North Providence?
Are occupational therapy assistants in North Providence paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in North Providence?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in North Providence?
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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 North Providence. 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 North Providence 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