Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Warwick, RI: $33.94 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Warwick, RI runs $33.94 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $70,594 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Warwick's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.5, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $33.77 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,354 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Warwick, Rhode Island, the projected occupational therapy assistant hourly pay for 2026 stands at $33.94. This figure is slightly below the national hourly median of $35.74, indicating that local professionals may accept marginally lower compensation compared to the broader market. For part-time occupational therapy assistants who work three days a week, this hourly rate can make for a flexible lifestyle while generating substantial income, particularly in various settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, and outpatient clinics. The projected hourly pay range for this profession stretches from $23.90 at the lower end (P10) to $42.28 for those at the top of their field. As a result, entry-level COTAs can find opportunities, while seasoned practitioners have the potential to earn significantly more, albeit within the context of the year’s broader economic conditions.
About the Warwick 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) | $23.90 | $191.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.61 | $228.90 |
| Median (P50) | $33.94 | $271.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.38 | $299.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.28 | $338.20 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Warwick
Based on $33.94/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.94/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Warwick, RI can expect to earn approximately $70,590 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,725. With a cost-of-living index of 100.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Warwick.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Warwick
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,357.50 | $5,883 | $70,590 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $814.50 | $3,530 | $42,354 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $543.00 | $2,353 | $28,236 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Warwick) | $33.94 |
| 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 Warwick, RI earn a median of $70,594 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.03% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 5.50% below the Rhode Island state average of $74,703.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.94/hr = $42,354/year (purchasing power: $42,143).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $70,590/year (purchasing power: $70,239).
CoL index: 100.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.08/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.01/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.94/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Warwick (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.08/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.74/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.18/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.33/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.59/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.16/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.01/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.94/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.89/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Warwick grew 17.5% from $28.08/hr (2019) to $33.01/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.89/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 Warwick 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 Warwick
Considering part-time work, a COTA in Warwick who puts in 24 hours a week could expect to bring home about $42,237 annually, compared to a full-time counterpart whose yearly earnings might reach approximately $70,594. Many part-time professionals may find that per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Warwick tends to range from $30 to $45 per hour, which may be appealing for those seeking flexibility. However, there are trade-offs, especially in settings such as skilled nursing facilities where agency pay has been affected by recent payment changes, like the 15% cut in Medicare reimbursement. Various factors, including employer type, significantly influence hourly rates, so COTAs often find that they must weigh benefits such as health insurance against the potential for higher wages without such coverage. Negotiating for better terms can be pivotal in Warwick, where understanding the local market can provide a solid advantage for prospective employees against the backdrop of employment needs and facility budgets.
More salary data for Warwick, RI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Warwick in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Warwick?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Warwick paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Warwick?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Warwick?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Rhode Island
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 Warwick. 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 Warwick 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