Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Dundalk, MD: $78,473 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Dundalk, 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 Dundalk'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 Dundalk, Maryland, can anticipate an estimated median salary of $78,473 in 2026, a figure that reflects both local market conditions and national trends, as it surpasses the national median by about 5.57%. The local salary range varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $56,252 (P10) and more experienced professionals potentially earning up to $95,719 (P90). These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for Maryland’s regional cost of living, present a competitive landscape for occupational therapy assistant pay in Dundalk MD, making it a robust option for those entering this healthcare field. The local job market is influenced by various factors, including productivity expectations, which are critical for determining compensation levels across different settings.
About the Dundalk Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $56,252 | $27.05 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $66,666 | $32.06 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $78,473 | $37.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $86,946 | $41.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $95,719 | $46.02 |
Median Salary Position
5.57% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Dundalk
In Dundalk, MD, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $39,467 (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 Dundalk: You'd be above the median
How Dundalk Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Dundalk median: $78,473/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Dundalk Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Average | $81,235 | -3.40% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | +5.57% more |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Dundalk, 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
Dundalk has a cost of living 9.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Dundalk, 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 Dundalk (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 Dundalk 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 Dundalk 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) | $56,252 – $66,666 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $66,666 – $78,473 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $78,473 – $86,946 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $86,946 – $95,719 |
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 Dundalk
In Dundalk, the employment context for occupational therapy assistants is relatively small, with only 10 professionals currently working in the area. However, the cost of living index is pegged at 109.3, which indicates that although salaries may be higher than national averages, the same adjustments should be made for purchasing power. Employers who tend to offer better pay include skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehabilitation centers, while positions in school districts often offer more stable hours but can fall on the lower end of the pay scale. The variation in salaries can result from differing productivity expectations, the impact of a 15% Medicare reimbursement cut on post-acute care settings, and the structure of contracts across various work environments. For those looking to maximize their earnings in Dundalk, seeking employment in hospital settings or early intervention programs, as well as being flexible with weekend or PRN shifts, can drive higher pay rates.
More salary data for Dundalk, 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 Dundalk 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 Dundalk 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