Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Ellicott City, MD: $81,593 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Ellicott City, MD earns a median $81,593/year (≈ $39.23/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Ellicott City's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 109.3), that paycheck buys what $74,651 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.4% above the Maryland state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Ellicott City, Maryland, the projected median annual salary for occupational therapy assistants is a substantial $81,593 for 2026, reflecting a robust demand for such professionals in the area. The salary range spans from $57,028 at the 10th percentile to $97,697 at the 90th percentile, demonstrating the variety of roles available that can attract different levels of compensation. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for the local cost of living, which is notably higher than the national average. This competitive salary aligns well with the growing healthcare demands in Ellicott City, emphasizing a promising outlook for occupational therapy assistants seeking to establish or advance their careers in the region.
About the Ellicott City Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,028 | $27.42 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $68,221 | $32.80 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $81,593 | $39.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $87,521 | $42.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $97,697 | $46.97 |
Median Salary Position
9.77% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ellicott City
In Ellicott City, MD, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $40,669 (2026 est.). At $81,593, the local median is 9.77% above the national median of $74,332.
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How Ellicott City Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Ellicott City median: $81,593/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Ellicott City Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Average | $81,268 | +0.40% more |
| National Average | $74,332 | +9.77% more |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Ellicott City, MD earn a median of $81,593 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.77% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 0.40% above the Maryland state average of $81,268.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Ellicott City has a cost of living 9.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Ellicott City, MD has a cost-of-living index of 109.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $81,593 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $74,651 — a 8.51% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$67,519
2025 BLS Actual
$79,363
2026 Current Est.
$81,593
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Ellicott City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $67,519 | Actual |
| 2020 | $69,089 | Actual |
| 2021 | $67,760 | Actual |
| 2022 | $70,527 | Actual |
| 2023 | $73,556 | Actual |
| 2024 | $79,034 | Actual |
| 2025 | $79,363 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81,593 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $83,886 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Ellicott City metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $67,519 (2019) to $79,363 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $83,886 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,367 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ellicott City 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) | $57,028 – $68,221 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $68,221 – $81,593 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $81,593 – $87,521 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $87,521 – $97,697 |
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 Ellicott City
With 15 occupational therapy assistants currently employed in Ellicott City, the job market is relatively niche, yet there are varying pay scales based on employment settings. Facilities like outpatient clinics and skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) may offer lower salaries, especially post-2022 following the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut for OTA-provided services. This affects take-home earnings, particularly given the area's cost of living index of 109.3, which makes housing and other expenses slightly more challenging. However, those pursuing opportunities in hospital inpatient rehabilitation settings can expect more competitive compensation. Understanding the dynamics of payment based on productivity expectations, varying contracts between school-year and year-round roles, as well as the impact of weekend and PRN (as-needed) premiums can significantly enhance earning potential. Aspiring occupational therapy assistants looking to maximize their pay in Ellicott City should consider strategic moves that align their schedules with high-demand sectors and facilities that recognize the value of their expertise.
More salary data for Ellicott City, 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 $79,363 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Ellicott City 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 Ellicott City 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