Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Providence, RI: $33.27 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Providence, RI runs $33.27 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $69,191 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Providence's regional price level (BEA RPP 101.8, 2% above national), each hour of work buys what $32.69 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,520 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in Providence, Rhode Island, can look forward to a median hourly pay of $33.27 in 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $35.74. This hourly rate can significantly impact those considering part-time employment or per-diem work opportunities in settings like skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, schools, outpatient clinics, and during home health visits. For entry-level positions, hourly pay starts at $25.98, while seasoned professionals may earn up to $37.85. Navigating the variances in hourly pay allows COTAs to choose schedules that fit their lifestyle, whether that means working three days a week or taking on per-diem roles that can offer flexibility and diverse experiences across different care environments. These projections are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25.98 | $207.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.78 | $238.27 |
| Median (P50) | $33.27 | $266.15 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.35 | $290.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.85 | $302.84 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Providence
Based on $33.27/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.27/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Providence, RI can expect to earn approximately $69,200 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,923. With a cost-of-living index of 101.77 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Providence.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Providence
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,330.77 | $5,767 | $69,200 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $798.46 | $3,460 | $41,520 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $532.31 | $2,307 | $27,680 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Providence) | $33.27 |
| 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 Providence, RI earn a median of $69,191 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.92% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 7.40% below the Rhode Island state average of $74,720.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.27/hr = $41,520/year (purchasing power: $40,797).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $69,200/year (purchasing power: $67,995).
CoL index: 101.773 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.91/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.36/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.27/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+18.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Providence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.91/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.63/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.97/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.50/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.12/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.94/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.36/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.27/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.20/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Providence grew 11.9% from $28.91/hr (2019) to $32.36/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.20/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 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 Providence
When analyzing part-time earning potential in Providence, an occupational therapy assistant working three days a week for 24 hours can expect annual earnings significantly less than their full-time counterparts, while still reaping the benefits of a flexible schedule. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Providence often ranges from $30 to $45 per hour, with travel contracts offering weekly rates between $1,100 and $1,700. However, many COTAs are facing the impact of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut introduced in 2022, leading to reduced agency pay in skilled nursing facilities and other settings. Variations in hourly compensation exist across different employers, such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, and school districts, where some positions may offer lower hourly rates with the addition of health benefits. For those negotiating their pay, understanding the market in Providence is crucial; presenting your skills, experiences, and flexibility can enhance your leverage when discussing hourly rates.
More salary data for Providence, RI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Providence in 2026?
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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 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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