Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in College Park, MD: $79,309 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in College Park, MD earns a median $79,309/year (≈ $38.13/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in College Park's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 109.3), that paycheck buys what $72,561 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.4% below the Maryland state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in College Park, MD, can anticipate a median annual salary of $79,309 in 2026, reflecting a positive trend compared to the national average of $74,332. The local salary range spans from $55,753 at the 10th percentile to $98,563 at the 90th percentile, illustrating a diverse compensation landscape. These figures are grounded in estimates based on 2025 BLS data, which take into account the regional cost of living and economic conditions. With a modest growth forecast of 2.81%, the occupational therapy assistant job market in College Park appears to support effective compensation strategies, likely benefiting from a steady demand for healthcare services in the area.
About the College Park Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,753 | $26.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $66,547 | $31.99 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $79,309 | $38.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $87,714 | $42.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $98,563 | $47.39 |
Median Salary Position
6.70% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in College Park
In College Park, MD, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $42,810 (2026 est.). At $79,309, the local median is 6.7% above the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in College Park: You'd be above the median
How College Park Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
College Park median: $79,309/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | College Park Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Average | $81,259 | -2.40% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | +6.70% more |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in College Park, MD earn a median of $79,309 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.70% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 2.40% below the Maryland state average of $81,259.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
College Park has a cost of living 9.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
College Park, MD has a cost-of-living index of 109.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $79,309 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $72,561 — a 8.51% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$65,629
2025 BLS Actual
$77,141
2026 Current Est.
$79,309
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in College Park (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $65,629 | Actual |
| 2020 | $67,154 | Actual |
| 2021 | $65,863 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,552 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,497 | Actual |
| 2024 | $76,821 | Actual |
| 2025 | $77,141 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79,309 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81,537 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the College Park metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $65,629 (2019) to $77,141 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $81,537 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,908 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the College Park 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) | $55,753 – $66,547 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $66,547 – $79,309 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $79,309 – $87,714 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $87,714 – $98,563 |
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 College Park
The job market for occupational therapy assistants in College Park remains relatively concentrated, with only six professionals currently employed in the field. The cost of living index for the area sits at 109.3, indicating a higher-than-average living expense, which can impact take-home pay and purchasing power. Employers that tend to offer higher salaries include skilled nursing facilities and inpatient rehabilitation hospitals, largely due to their greater funding capabilities. The disparity in salaries can arise from various factors, such as the productivity expectations typical in different settings, weekend and PRN premiums, and the repercussions of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut affecting services provided by COTAs. To maximize earning potential, occupational therapy assistants may consider pursuing contracts with outpatient services or school districts, which often offer competitive pay scales while aligning with a more favorable work-life balance. Professionals should also explore pathways to advanced credentials, such as the COTA-to-MOT transition, to further enhance their qualifications and market value within the College Park MD landscape.
More salary data for College Park, 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 $77,141 for occupational therapy assistantsin the College Park 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 College Park 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