Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Pawtucket, RI: $35.88 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Pawtucket, RI runs $35.88 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $74,622 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Pawtucket's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.5, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.70 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $44,779 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pawtucket, the projected occupational therapy assistant hourly pay for 2026 is estimated at $35.88. This figure slightly exceeds the national hourly median of $35.74. For part-time workers, such as those typically employed three days a week, this pay translates into meaningful earnings while allowing flexibility for work-life balance. Per-diem occupational therapy assistants often find their rates between $30 to $45 per hour, which can significantly affect overall earnings based on the number of hours worked and the frequency of client visits. The hourly range for COTAs in the area runs from $24.77 for entry-level positions to $46.15 for experienced professionals, illustrating the variances based on experience and workplace settings, such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, and outpatient clinics. These hourly estimations are derived from annual salary data, providing a comprehensive glimpse into the earning potential within Pawtucket.
About the Pawtucket 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) | $24.77 | $198.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.76 | $238.11 |
| Median (P50) | $35.88 | $287.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.04 | $312.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.15 | $369.21 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pawtucket
Based on $35.88/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.88/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pawtucket, RI can expect to earn approximately $74,632 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $43,057. With a cost-of-living index of 100.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Pawtucket.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pawtucket
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,435.23 | $6,219 | $74,632 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $861.14 | $3,732 | $44,779 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $574.09 | $2,488 | $29,853 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Pawtucket) | $35.88 |
| 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 Pawtucket, RI earn a median of $74,622 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.39% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 0.10% below the Rhode Island state average of $74,696.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.88/hr = $44,779/year (purchasing power: $44,556).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $74,632/year (purchasing power: $74,261).
CoL index: 100.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.69/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.90/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.88/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Pawtucket (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.69/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.38/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.80/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.01/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.35/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.79/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.90/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.88/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.89/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Pawtucket grew 17.5% from $29.69/hr (2019) to $34.90/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.89/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 Pawtucket 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 Pawtucket
Part-time occupational therapy assistants working 24 hours a week can expect to take home around $44,224 annually, compared to those in full-time roles who may earn significantly more. For per-diem or agency COTAs, travel contracts offer an even greater incentive, with pay ranging from $1,100 to $1,700 weekly, though health benefits often come with full-time employment, making it a trade-off for some professionals. Hourly rates for COTAs can also differ across employer types in Pawtucket, from school district contracts to home health care agencies. While many consider the stability of a lower hourly wage accompanied by health insurance, others lean towards higher hourly wages without benefits. For those negotiating pay, emphasizing specialized skills and experience can be vital in securing better rates, particularly in an evolving field affected by Medicare policies and annual growth rates. Understanding the local market and competing effectively is essential for occupational therapy assistants seeking to maximize their earnings in RI.
More salary data for Pawtucket, RI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Pawtucket in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Pawtucket?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Pawtucket paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Pawtucket?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Pawtucket?
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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 Pawtucket. 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 Pawtucket 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