Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in South Kingstown, RI: $34.09 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in South Kingstown, RI runs $34.09 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $70,911 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against South Kingstown's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.5, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $33.92 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,547 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In South Kingstown, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $34.09 by 2026. This reflects a slightly lower rate compared to the national median of $35.74 per hour. For those working part-time—such as three days a week—this rate allows for a steady income while accommodating other responsibilities. Part-time and per-diem roles might typically range across various settings, including skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, and outpatient clinics, with entry-level hourly rates starting around $25.22 and top earners potentially making as much as $41.74. These hourly figures are estimates derived from annual salary data, which translate directly into the working dynamics for both individual practitioners and those seeking flexible employment arrangements.
About the South Kingstown 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) | $25.22 | $201.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.53 | $236.22 |
| Median (P50) | $34.09 | $272.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.32 | $298.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.74 | $333.93 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in South Kingstown
Based on $34.09/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.09/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in South Kingstown, RI can expect to earn approximately $70,911 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,910. With a cost-of-living index of 100.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in South Kingstown.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in South Kingstown
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,363.67 | $5,909 | $70,911 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $818.20 | $3,546 | $42,547 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $545.47 | $2,364 | $28,364 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (South Kingstown) | $34.09 |
| 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 South Kingstown, RI earn a median of $70,911 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.60% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 5.10% below the Rhode Island state average of $74,722.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.09/hr = $42,547/year (purchasing power: $42,335).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $70,911/year (purchasing power: $70,558).
CoL index: 100.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.21/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.16/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.09/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in South Kingstown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.21/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.87/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.31/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.47/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.73/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.11/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.16/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.09/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.05/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in South Kingstown grew 17.5% from $28.21/hr (2019) to $33.16/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.05/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 South Kingstown 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 South Kingstown
When considering their earning potential, part-time occupational therapy assistants working 24 hours per week would see a significant variance in annual income compared to those employed full-time. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in South Kingstown can often range from $30 to $45 per hour, depending on the specific employer and the assistant's experience. Travel contracts may offer even higher rates, running between $1,100 and $1,700 weekly. However, the decline in premium pay from skilled nursing facilities following the 15% Medicare cut in 2022 has made negotiation strategies crucial. COTAs working in various environments—like outpatient clinics, school districts, or home health—may find the trade-off between hourly wages and benefits management to be challenging. Those opting for higher hourly contracts often lack benefits like health insurance, emphasizing the importance of negotiating effectively based on the unique demands of working conditions in the area.
More salary data for South Kingstown, RI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in South Kingstown in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in South Kingstown?
Are occupational therapy assistants in South Kingstown paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in South Kingstown?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in South Kingstown?
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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 South Kingstown. 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 South Kingstown 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