Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Bristol, RI: $70,718 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Bristol, RI earns a median $70,718/year (≈ $34.00/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Bristol's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.5), that paycheck buys what $70,366 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.3% below the Rhode Island state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in Bristol, Rhode Island can anticipate a median annual salary of $70,718 in 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $74,332 for the same year. The projected salary range spans from $51,695 at the 10th percentile to $85,094 at the 90th percentile, reflecting a diverse range of earning potential in this field. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data, adjusted for local cost-of-living conditions, which slightly exceed the national average. As COTAs consider their career paths and potential for advancement, such as bridging to a Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) degree, they may find that this transition could significantly enhance their lifetime earnings in the long run.
About the Bristol Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,695 | $24.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60,341 | $29.01 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $70,718 | $34.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73,045 | $35.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $85,094 | $40.91 |
Median Salary Position
4.86% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bristol
In Bristol, RI, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $33,399 (2026 est.). At $70,718, the local median is 4.86% below the national median of $74,332.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bristol: You'd be above the median
How Bristol Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Bristol median: $70,718/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bristol Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island Average | $74,676 | -5.30% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | -4.86% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Bristol, RI earn a median of $70,718 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.86% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 5.30% below the Rhode Island state average of $74,676.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bristol has a cost of living 0.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bristol, RI has a cost-of-living index of 100.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $70,718 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $70,366 — a 0.5% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$58,520
2025 BLS Actual
$68,785
2026 Current Est.
$70,718
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Bristol (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,520 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,880 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,729 | Actual |
| 2022 | $61,126 | Actual |
| 2023 | $63,752 | Actual |
| 2024 | $66,597 | Actual |
| 2025 | $68,785 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70,718 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72,705 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bristol metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $58,520 (2019) to $68,785 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $72,705 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,185 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bristol 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) | $51,695 – $60,341 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $60,341 – $70,718 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $70,718 – $73,045 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $73,045 – $85,094 |
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 Bristol
The local job market for occupational therapy assistants in Bristol is characterized by a modest employment figure, with only five professionals currently working in the area. This, alongside a cost-of-living index of 100.5, indicates that while salaries may seem appealing, the local purchasing power remains a crucial factor to consider. Employers that typically offer higher wages include skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehab units, reflecting the complexity and demand of the work involved in these settings compared to schools and outpatient clinics. The notable variance in pay can often be traced to productivity requirements, weekend shift premiums, and the implications of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut that has impacted service rates for OTAs. For those aiming to maximize their pay, pursuing opportunities in high-demand settings such as skilled nursing facilities or focusing on weekend or PRN roles can be advantageous tactics to enhance their overall compensation in the Bristol market.
More salary data for Bristol, RI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Bristol, RI in 2026?
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Bristol?
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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 $68,785 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Bristol 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 Bristol 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