Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Bethesda, MD: $78,473 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Bethesda, MD earns a median $78,473/year (≈ $37.73/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Bethesda's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 109.3), that paycheck buys what $71,796 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.4% below the Maryland state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in Bethesda, Maryland, can expect a median annual salary of $78,473 in 2026, reflecting a robust job market characterized by growth and productivity expectations. With a salary range spanning from $55,932 at the lower end to $98,581 at the higher end, it is evident that compensation can vary significantly based on several factors. These estimates, derived from state-level BLS data and adjusted for regional price disparities, indicate a favorable employment landscape for COTAs in this affluent area. The competitive nature of the healthcare market in Bethesda not only affects pay but also sets productivity benchmarks that can influence the day-to-day responsibilities of occupational therapy assistants.
About the Bethesda Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,932 | $26.90 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $66,666 | $32.06 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $78,473 | $37.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $86,946 | $41.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $98,581 | $47.40 |
Median Salary Position
5.57% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bethesda
In Bethesda, MD, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $42,649 (2026 est.). At $78,473, the local median is 5.57% above the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Bethesda: You'd be above the median
How Bethesda Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Bethesda median: $78,473/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bethesda Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Average | $81,235 | -3.40% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | +5.57% more |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Bethesda, MD earn a median of $78,473 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.57% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 3.40% below the Maryland state average of $81,235.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bethesda has a cost of living 9.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bethesda, MD has a cost-of-living index of 109.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $78,473 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $71,796 — a 8.51% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$64,937
2025 BLS Actual
$76,328
2026 Current Est.
$78,473
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Bethesda (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64,937 | Actual |
| 2020 | $66,447 | Actual |
| 2021 | $65,169 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,830 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,743 | Actual |
| 2024 | $76,011 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,328 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,473 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,678 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bethesda metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $64,937 (2019) to $76,328 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $80,678 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,741 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bethesda 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) | $55,932 – $66,666 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $66,666 – $78,473 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $78,473 – $86,946 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $86,946 – $98,581 |
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 Bethesda
Examining the local job market, there are currently 18 occupational therapy assistants employed in Bethesda, which mirrors the demand for skilled healthcare professionals in the region. The cost-of-living index at 109.3 suggests that expenses are higher than the national average, impacting take-home pay and purchasing power for workers in this field. Among various employers in Bethesda, skilled nursing facilities tend to offer the most competitive compensation, while outpatient clinics and school districts may provide alternative options based on work schedules and reimbursements. The disparity in earnings within the occupational therapy assistant pay in Bethesda MD is attributed to several factors, including the productivity expectations of different settings, the availability of year-round contracts, and the ongoing effects of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut. COTAs looking to maximize their earnings should consider diversifying their experience across settings and networking within local healthcare communities, as these strategies can lead to lucrative opportunities in this dynamic field.
More salary data for Bethesda, MD:
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 $76,328 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Bethesda 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 Bethesda 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