Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Auburn, ME: $69,573 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Auburn, ME earns a median $69,573/year (≈ $33.44/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Auburn's price level (0% above national, BEA RPP 99.6), that paycheck buys what $69,852 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.0% below the Maine state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Auburn, ME, those in the role of an occupational therapy assistant can expect a median annual salary of $69,573 for 2026, slightly below the national median of $74,332. This figure is derived from localized estimates, taking into account state-level data and adjustments based on regional cost of living. The salary spectrum for occupational therapy assistants in Auburn ranges from $49,911 at the lower end (P10) to $78,557 at the upper end (P90). Given the relatively small job market with only six occupational therapy assistants currently employed in the area, local productivity expectations and the number of client visits per day significantly impact compensation packages. Understanding these dynamics is essential for potential job seekers in the field.
About the Auburn Market
Salary estimated from Maine average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,911 | $24.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $63,036 | $30.31 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $69,573 | $33.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72,665 | $34.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $78,557 | $37.77 |
Median Salary Position
6.4% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Auburn
In Auburn, ME, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $28,646 (2026 est.). At $69,573, the local median is 6.4% below the national median of $74,332.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Auburn: You'd be above the median
How Auburn Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Auburn median: $69,573/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Auburn Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Maine Average | $74,013 | -6.00% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | -6.40% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Auburn, ME earn a median of $69,573 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.40% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 6.00% below the Maine state average of $74,013.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Auburn has a cost of living 0.40% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Auburn, ME has a cost-of-living index of 99.6 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapy assistant earning $69,573 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $69,852 in an average-cost city — an effective 0.4% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$57,572
2025 BLS Actual
$67,671
2026 Current Est.
$69,573
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Auburn (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,572 | Actual |
| 2020 | $58,910 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,778 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,136 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,720 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,903 | Actual |
| 2025 | $67,671 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69,573 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71,528 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Auburn metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $57,572 (2019) to $67,671 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $71,528 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,956 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Auburn 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) | $49,911 – $63,036 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $63,036 – $69,573 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $69,573 – $72,665 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $72,665 – $78,557 |
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 Auburn
The cost of living index in Auburn stands at 99.6, which is just below the national average. This indicates that while the compensation may not be as high as in other regions, the affordability of living could maintain a reasonable purchasing power. Among local employers, skilled nursing facilities often provide the highest salaries, followed by hospital inpatient rehabilitation centers. Variability in pay largely stems from factors like work setting, productivity expectations, and availability for weekend or PRN shifts. The 15% Medicare reimbursement cut for OTA services adds pressure on earnings, particularly in skilled nursing and outpatient facilities, affecting overall pay structures. To maximize earnings in this specific job market, COTAs should consider pursuing opportunities in schools, which typically offer year-round contracts, or seek out positions in high-demand settings that may provide incentives for weekend work. Being strategic in contract negotiations and maintaining flexibility around work hours can also enhance overall compensation.
More salary data for Auburn, ME:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Auburn, ME in 2026?
Is Auburn, ME a good place to work as a occupational therapy assistant?
Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Auburn?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapy assistant salary in Auburn?
How much does a occupational therapy assistant make per hour in Auburn?
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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 $67,671 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Auburn 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 Auburn 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