Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Delaware: $76,439 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Delaware's 6 metropolitan areas, the average median occupational therapy assistant pay sits at $76,439/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 31-2011. Because Delaware sits at BEA RPP 101.7 (2% above the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $75,161 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Wilmington ($77,746), Dover ($75,440), Newark ($73,055).
In 2026, the average median salary for occupational therapy assistants in Delaware is projected to be $76,438, which is 2.8% higher than the national median of $74,332. The highest paying city is Wilmington, with an expected salary of $79,931, while Middletown has the lowest at $69,846, resulting in a salary gap of $10,085 between the two. This difference can be attributed to various factors, including the cost of living, the concentration of healthcare facilities, and varying demand for services in different areas. Delaware's licensing requirements for occupational therapy assistants demand completion of an accredited program and passing a national certification exam, ensuring a standardized level of expertise across the state. The scope of practice laws may also influence job responsibilities and opportunities, thereby impacting salary potential. With a projected growth rate of 2.81% annually, the job market for occupational therapy assistants in Delaware appears stable, driven by an increasing demand for rehabilitation services, particularly within aging populations and those with chronic conditions. As of 2026, there are expected to be 92 occupational therapy assistants employed in the state, reflecting ongoing opportunities for employment and advancement in various metropolitan areas, including Wilmington, Dover, Newark, Bear, and Smyrna.
Delaware Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary Range
Overall salary range in Delaware: $51,961 (lowest entry-level) to $95,924 (highest top earner)
Delaware vs National Average
Delaware occupational therapy assistants earn 2.83% more than the national median (+$2,107/year difference).
Delaware Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary Distribution (2026)
Occupational Therapy Assistant salaries in Delaware range from $62,172 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $81,856 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $76,439. The Delaware median is $2,107 above the US national median of $74,332. The average hourly rate is $36.75/hr. Approximately 92 occupational therapy assistants are employed across 6 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$63,253
2025 BLS Actual
$74,349
2026 Current Est.
$76,439
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Delaware (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63,253 | Actual |
| 2020 | $64,724 | Actual |
| 2021 | $63,480 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,071 | Actual |
| 2023 | $68,909 | Actual |
| 2024 | $67,792 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,349 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,439 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78,586 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Delaware metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $63,253 (2019) to $74,349 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $78,586 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,333 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Delaware 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.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Delaware
Lowest Paying Cities in Delaware
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Middletown | $69,846 |
| Smyrna | $70,033 |
| Bear | $72,444 |
| Newark | $75,108 |
| Dover | $77,560 |
Best Value Cities for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Delaware
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Delaware cities offer the most purchasing power for occupational therapy assistants.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dover | $77,560 | 97.507 | $79,543 |
| Wilmington | $79,931 | 101.7 | $78,595 |
| Newark | $75,108 | 101.7 | $73,853 |
| Bear | $72,444 | 101.7 | $71,233 |
| Smyrna | $70,033 | 101.7 | $68,862 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Delaware
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $62,172 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $76,439 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $81,856 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Delaware metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 6 Cities in Delaware
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wilmington | $79,931 |
| 2 | Dover | $77,560 |
| 3 | Newark | $75,108 |
| 4 | Bear | $72,444 |
| 5 | Smyrna | $70,033 |
| 6 | Middletown | $69,846 |
More Delaware Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore occupational therapy assistant hourly pay in Delaware cities.
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced occupational therapy assistants.
Explore More Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Delaware in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for occupational therapy assistants in Delaware?
How does Delaware occupational therapy assistant pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level occupational therapy assistant salary in Delaware?
How many occupational therapy assistants are employed in Delaware?
Which Delaware city offers the best value for occupational therapy assistants?
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
Statewide 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. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 occupational therapy assistant compensation across Delaware. State averages are employment-weighted across 6 metro areas — larger metro areas with more occupational therapy assistantscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 2-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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