Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Middletown, CT: $74,283 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Middletown, CT earns a median $74,283/year (≈ $35.72/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Middletown's price level (8% above national, BEA RPP 107.9), that paycheck buys what $68,844 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.1% below the Connecticut state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Middletown, Connecticut, the projected median annual salary for occupational therapy assistants is estimated to be $74,283 in 2026, closely aligned with the national median of $74,332. The salary range for this profession in the area spans from $54,200 at the 10th percentile to $89,701 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the disparities in compensation influenced by various work environments. Local estimates are derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost factors. Given the structural divide within the field—where those employed in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) may experience decreased pay due to recent Medicare cuts compared to those in hospital settings—the financial landscape for occupational therapy assistants in Middletown indicates unique challenges and opportunities.
About the Middletown Market
Salary estimated from Connecticut average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,200 | $26.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $63,561 | $30.56 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $74,283 | $35.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80,562 | $38.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $89,701 | $43.13 |
Median Salary Position
0.07% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Middletown
In Middletown, CT, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $35,501 (2026 est.). At $74,283, the local median is 0.07% below the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Middletown: You'd be above the median
How Middletown Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Middletown median: $74,283/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Middletown Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut Average | $75,110 | -1.10% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | -0.07% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Middletown, CT earn a median of $74,283 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.07% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 1.10% below the Connecticut state average of $75,110.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Middletown has a cost of living 7.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Middletown, CT has a cost-of-living index of 107.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $74,283 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $68,844 — a 7.32% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$61,470
2025 BLS Actual
$72,253
2026 Current Est.
$74,283
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Middletown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,470 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,899 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,690 | Actual |
| 2022 | $64,208 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,966 | Actual |
| 2024 | $76,861 | Actual |
| 2025 | $72,253 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $74,283 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $76,371 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Middletown metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $61,470 (2019) to $72,253 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $76,371 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,901 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Middletown 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $54,200 – $63,561 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $63,561 – $74,283 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $74,283 – $80,562 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $80,562 – $89,701 |
OTA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapy assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Job Market in Middletown
As of now, there are only seven occupational therapy assistants employed locally, revealing a relatively small job market in Middletown CT. The cost-of-living index is set at 107.9, suggesting that residents face higher living expenses than the national average, impacting take-home pay significantly. Among various employers, hospital inpatient rehabilitation settings tend to offer higher wages compared to school districts and skilled nursing facilities, particularly in the wake of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut that has lowered payment rates for OTA services. This reality drives a noticeable range in earnings, as positions in academic settings often offer contract work for specific school years, while those in outpatient clinics may earn more due to varying productivity expectations and PRN weekend shifts. To maximize earning potential, occupational therapy assistants in Middletown should consider seeking employment in higher-paying hospital roles or pursuing additional certifications that enhance their skills, such as engaging in bridge programs from COTA to MOT, which could open up further career advancement opportunities.
More salary data for Middletown, CT:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $72,253 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Middletown metropolitan area. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Middletown 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