Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Essex Junction, VT: $28.18 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Essex Junction, VT runs $28.18 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,608 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Essex Junction's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.5, 4% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.23 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,169 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected hourly pay for an occupational therapy assistant in Essex Junction, VT, is estimated at $28.18, which is significantly lower than the national hourly median of $35.74. This rate can impact part-time workers, specifically those employed three days a week, offering a viable income for those managing family or educational commitments. For per-diem occupational therapy assistants, who may find opportunities in skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, schools, and home health settings, the hourly earnings can vary from entry-level rates starting around $20.53 to seasoned professionals earning up to $33.90. These numbers reflect a competitive yet challenging market in Essex Junction, especially after adjustments in reimbursement policies affecting overall pay structures.
About the Essex Junction 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) | $20.53 | $164.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.11 | $200.85 |
| Median (P50) | $28.18 | $225.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.66 | $245.26 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $33.90 | $271.17 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Essex Junction
Based on $28.18/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.18/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Essex Junction, VT can expect to earn approximately $58,615 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,816. With a cost-of-living index of 103.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Essex Junction.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Essex Junction
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,127.21 | $4,885 | $58,615 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $676.33 | $2,931 | $35,169 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $450.88 | $1,954 | $23,446 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Essex Junction) | $28.18 |
| 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 Essex Junction, VT earn a median of $58,608 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.15% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 5.50% below the Vermont state average of $62,019.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.18/hr = $35,169/year (purchasing power: $33,980).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,615/year (purchasing power: $56,633).
CoL index: 103.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$23.32/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.41/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.18/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Essex Junction (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.32/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.86/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.40/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.36/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.40/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.11/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.41/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.18/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.97/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Essex Junction grew 17.5% from $23.32/hr (2019) to $27.41/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.97/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 Essex Junction 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 Essex Junction
Evaluating the financial landscape, part-time occupational therapy assistants working 24 hours a week can expect to earn significantly less annually compared to their full-time counterparts, making financial planning essential. For per diem positions, compensation typically ranges from $30 to $45 per hour, though factors like facility type and experience can drive these rates. In Essex Junction, payment can differ markedly across various environments such as skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and school contracts. Some occupational therapy assistants may prioritize structured health benefits over higher hourly pay, leading them to accept lower rates to secure additional coverage. Practical negotiation strategies are vital in this sector, with COTAs encouraged to leverage their certification and experience during discussions, particularly given the constraints imposed by the 15% Medicare cut influencing pay rates since 2022. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for any aspiring occupational therapist assistant navigating their early career in Essex Junction.
More salary data for Essex Junction, VT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Essex Junction in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Essex Junction?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Essex Junction paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Essex Junction?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Essex Junction?
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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 Essex Junction. 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 Essex Junction 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