Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Brattleboro, VT: $28.24 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Brattleboro, VT runs $28.24 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,734 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Brattleboro's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.5, 4% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.29 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,246 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Brattleboro, Vermont, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay stands at a median of $28.24, significantly lower than the national average of $35.74 per hour. This discrepancy influences the earning potential for those in part-time roles, such as those working three days a week in various settings, including skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, hospital rehab units, and schools. The hourly pay can range from $20.69 for entry-level positions to $32.33 for highly experienced professionals, providing opportunities for both new graduates and seasoned veterans in this field. The estimated hourly rates are derived from projected annual salaries and reflect the local market conditions relevant to COTAs working under standard OT supervision in Vermont.
About the Brattleboro 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) | $20.69 | $165.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.12 | $192.95 |
| Median (P50) | $28.24 | $225.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.79 | $238.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $32.33 | $258.67 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Brattleboro
Based on $28.24/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.24/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Brattleboro, VT can expect to earn approximately $58,743 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,890. With a cost-of-living index of 103.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Brattleboro.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Brattleboro
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,129.68 | $4,895 | $58,743 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $677.81 | $2,937 | $35,246 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $451.87 | $1,958 | $23,497 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Brattleboro) | $28.24 |
| 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 Brattleboro, VT earn a median of $58,734 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.98% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 5.30% below the Vermont state average of $62,021.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.24/hr = $35,246/year (purchasing power: $34,054).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,743/year (purchasing power: $56,757).
CoL index: 103.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$23.37/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.47/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.24/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Brattleboro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.37/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.91/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.45/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.41/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.46/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.17/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.47/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.24/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.04/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Brattleboro grew 17.5% from $23.37/hr (2019) to $27.47/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.04/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 Brattleboro 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 Brattleboro
When looking at potential earnings, a part-time occupational therapy assistant in Brattleboro working 24 hours a week could expect to bring home approximately $35,000 annually, compared to full-time colleagues who could earn significantly more. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Brattleboro typically ranges between $30 and $45 per hour, with specialized travel contracts offering even higher weekly compensation, running from $1,100 to $1,700. However, the landscape for COTAs working in skilled nursing facilities and outpatient settings has adjusted due to recent reimbursement cuts from Medicare. Hourly pay varies based on employer type, with school districts often providing stable salaries including benefits, while outpatient clinics may offer higher wages with less job security. Therefore, COTAs often need to weigh the value of higher pay against benefits like health insurance. For those negotiating in Brattleboro, understanding the local job market and regional salary standards can provide an edge in discussions about pay rates and benefits.
More salary data for Brattleboro, VT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Brattleboro in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Brattleboro?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Brattleboro paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Brattleboro?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Brattleboro?
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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 Brattleboro. 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 Brattleboro 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