Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Woonsocket, RI: $34.72 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Woonsocket, RI runs $34.72 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $72,210 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Woonsocket's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.5, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $34.55 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $43,329 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The hourly pay for an occupational therapy assistant in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, is projected to be $34.72 in 2026. This figure is slightly below the national hourly median of $35.74. For those contemplating part-time work, such as a three-day workweek, this translates to a manageable income that aligns well with roles commonly found in skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, school therapy settings, and outpatient clinics. The hourly wage spectrum ranges from an entry-level rate of approximately $26.85 to an impressive $42.48 for top earners. This structured pay breakdown offers insight into the earning potential for occupational therapy assistants in the region, illustrating options for both traditional employment and flexible arrangements, such as per diem positions.
About the Woonsocket 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) | $26.85 | $214.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.83 | $246.66 |
| Median (P50) | $34.72 | $277.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.69 | $293.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.48 | $339.85 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Woonsocket
Based on $34.72/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.72/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Woonsocket, RI can expect to earn approximately $72,215 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,663. With a cost-of-living index of 100.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Woonsocket.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Woonsocket
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,388.76 | $6,018 | $72,215 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $833.25 | $3,611 | $43,329 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $555.50 | $2,407 | $28,886 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Woonsocket) | $34.72 |
| 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 Woonsocket, RI earn a median of $72,210 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.85% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 3.30% below the Rhode Island state average of $74,674.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.72/hr = $43,329/year (purchasing power: $43,114).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $72,215/year (purchasing power: $71,856).
CoL index: 100.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.73/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.77/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.72/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Woonsocket (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.73/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.40/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.83/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.01/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.30/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.69/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.77/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.72/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.69/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Woonsocket grew 17.5% from $28.73/hr (2019) to $33.77/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.69/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 Woonsocket 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 Woonsocket
In terms of practical earnings, a part-time occupational therapy assistant, working 24 hours per week, would take home significantly less than their full-time counterparts but can still achieve a respectable annual income. Per-diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Woonsocket commonly falls between $30 and $45 per hour, which presents an appealing opportunity for those seeking flexibility or additional experience. Travel contracts for occupational therapy assistants can yield more substantial pay, ranging from $1,100 to $1,700 weekly. However, it's essential to note that after the 15% Medicare cut implemented in 2022, the financial landscape for agency workers, particularly in skilled nursing facilities, has become more competitive. Different employer types in Woonsocket, such as outpatient clinics or educational institutions, may vary in reimbursement rates and benefits offerings. Some assistants may choose lower hourly pay in exchange for health insurance, while others might prioritize higher hourly rates without benefits. When negotiating, it helps to understand prevailing rates and clearly communicate one’s qualifications and experience to achieve optimal pay.
More salary data for Woonsocket, RI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Woonsocket in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Woonsocket?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Woonsocket paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Woonsocket?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Woonsocket?
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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 Woonsocket. 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 Woonsocket 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