Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Barre, VT: $28.14 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Barre, VT runs $28.14 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,529 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Barre's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.5, 4% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.19 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,118 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Barre, Vermont, the projected hourly pay for an occupational therapy assistant stands at $28.14, which is significantly lower than the national median of $35.74 per hour. This discrepancy might influence the decision-making of part-time workers, such as those seeking a three-day work schedule at local skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, or during home health visits. For part-time and per-diem occupational therapy assistants, this rate translates into a steady income while allowing flexibility in their schedules. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the hourly range, around $20.44, while experienced professionals can command rates up to $32.04, indicating a tiered structure that reflects both skill level and workplace environment.
About the Barre Market
Salary estimated from Vermont average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.44 | $163.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.91 | $191.31 |
| Median (P50) | $28.14 | $225.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.57 | $236.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $32.04 | $256.28 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Barre
Based on $28.14/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.14/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Barre, VT can expect to earn approximately $58,529 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,767. With a cost-of-living index of 103.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Barre.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Barre
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,125.56 | $4,877 | $58,529 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $675.34 | $2,926 | $35,118 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $450.23 | $1,951 | $23,412 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Barre) | $28.14 |
| 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 Barre, VT earn a median of $58,529 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.26% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 5.60% below the Vermont state average of $62,001.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.14/hr = $35,118/year (purchasing power: $33,930).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,529/year (purchasing power: $56,550).
CoL index: 103.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$23.29/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.37/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.14/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Barre (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.29/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.83/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.37/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.32/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.37/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.07/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.37/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.14/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.93/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Barre grew 17.5% from $23.29/hr (2019) to $27.37/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.93/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 Barre 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 Barre
The earning potential for part-time occupational therapy assistants working 24 hours a week could mean an annual take-home significantly lower than their full-time counterparts. Typically, someone working part-time might earn around $35,000 yearly, while full-time positions can vastly exceed this, potentially reaching over $55,000 annually. On the per-diem front, workers may earn between $30 to $45 per hour, particularly for travel contracts where rates can range from $1,100 to $1,700 weekly. It's essential to consider that hourly rates differ based on the employer type in Barre; for instance, skilled nursing facilities might offer lower rates due to tighter budgets following Medicare cuts, while schools and outpatient centers can vary widely. This pay fluctuation can lead to difficult choices for occupational therapy assistants: accepting lower rates for positions with health benefits might seem advantageous compared to higher rates without care coverage. When negotiating, COTAs should emphasize their specialized skills and consider the overall compensation package, including potential benefits, to ensure they strike a balance between hourly pay and job security in the evolving health care market.
More salary data for Barre, VT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Barre in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Barre?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Barre paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Barre?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Barre?
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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 Barre. 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 Barre 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