Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Nashua, NH: $70,954 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Nashua, NH earns a median $70,954/year (≈ $34.11/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Nashua's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.3), that paycheck buys what $66,127 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 11.0% below the New Hampshire state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, occupational therapy assistants in Nashua, New Hampshire, can expect a median annual salary of $70,954, reflecting a local market that remains sensitive to shifts in healthcare funding and operational settings. The salary range spans from $48,756 at the 10th percentile to $86,321 at the 90th percentile, with estimates derived from BLS state-level data and regional cost adjustments considered. Given the structural divide in settings—skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), schools, and hospitals—these salaries reflect real challenges, particularly in the wake of the 15% Medicare cuts impacting payment for therapy services in SNFs and outpatient clinics. Understanding these dynamics is vital for COTAs pursuing opportunities in Nashua, especially when considering where to focus their job searches.
About the Nashua Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,756 | $23.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58,698 | $28.22 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $70,954 | $34.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77,146 | $37.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $86,321 | $41.50 |
Median Salary Position
4.54% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Nashua
In Nashua, NH, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $37,565 (2026 est.). At $70,954, the local median is 4.54% below the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Nashua: You'd be above the median
How Nashua Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Nashua median: $70,954/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Nashua Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire Average | $79,724 | -11.00% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | -4.54% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Nashua, NH earn a median of $70,954 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.54% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 11.00% below the New Hampshire state average of $79,724.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Nashua has a cost of living 7.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Nashua, NH has a cost-of-living index of 107.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $70,954 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $66,127 — a 6.8% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$58,715
2025 BLS Actual
$69,015
2026 Current Est.
$70,954
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Nashua (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,715 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,080 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,925 | Actual |
| 2022 | $61,331 | Actual |
| 2023 | $63,965 | Actual |
| 2024 | $72,746 | Actual |
| 2025 | $69,015 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70,954 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72,948 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Nashua metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $58,715 (2019) to $69,015 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $72,948 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,233 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Nashua 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) | $48,756 – $58,698 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $58,698 – $70,954 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $70,954 – $77,146 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $77,146 – $86,321 |
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 Nashua
Nashua's job market for occupational therapy assistants shows some strength, with 21 professionals currently employed in the area. However, the local cost of living index stands at 107.3, which means that while salaries may seem competitive, the purchasing power is slightly compressed compared to national averages. Among employers, skilled nursing facilities typically offer lower pay compared to hospital-based inpatient rehabilitation settings. The pay discrepancy hinges on several factors including setting, weekend and PRN premiums, and the impact of Medicare reimbursement cuts on productivity expectations. To maximize their occupational therapy assistant pay in Nashua, individuals should consider contract negotiations and seek positions that offer year-round contracts rather than school-year-only contracts, keeping abreast of job opportunities in high-paying settings. Understanding these nuances can greatly aid COTAs in aligning their employment choices with financial goals while navigating the local job market.
More salary data for Nashua, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Nashua, NH in 2026?
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Nashua?
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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 $69,015 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Nashua 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 Nashua 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