Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in North Kingstown, RI: $71,647 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in North Kingstown, RI earns a median $71,647/year (≈ $34.44/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in North Kingstown's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.5), that paycheck buys what $71,291 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.1% below the Rhode Island state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the occupational therapy assistant salary in North Kingstown, RI, is projected to reach a median of $71,647, which is slightly below the national median of $74,332. The local salary ranges from $54,424 at the 10th percentile to $86,417 at the 90th percentile, reflecting a competitive market landscape. These estimates derive from BLS state-level data and incorporate regional price adjustments, making them particularly relevant for job seekers and professionals in the area. Importantly, those considering the COTA-to-MOT bridge may find that the potential for higher lifetime earnings after obtaining a master's degree can significantly influence their career trajectory, especially given the efficient transition from supportive roles to advanced positions in occupational therapy.
About the North Kingstown Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,424 | $26.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $62,946 | $30.27 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $71,647 | $34.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77,805 | $37.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $86,417 | $41.55 |
Median Salary Position
3.61% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in North Kingstown
In North Kingstown, RI, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $31,993 (2026 est.). At $71,647, the local median is 3.61% below the national median of $74,332.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in North Kingstown: You'd be above the median
How North Kingstown Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
North Kingstown median: $71,647/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | North Kingstown Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island Average | $74,710 | -4.10% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | -3.61% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in North Kingstown, RI earn a median of $71,647 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.61% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 4.10% below the Rhode Island state average of $74,710.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
North Kingstown has a cost of living 0.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
North Kingstown, RI has a cost-of-living index of 100.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $71,647 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $71,291 — a 0.5% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$59,289
2025 BLS Actual
$69,689
2026 Current Est.
$71,647
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in North Kingstown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,289 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,667 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,501 | Actual |
| 2022 | $61,930 | Actual |
| 2023 | $64,590 | Actual |
| 2024 | $67,472 | Actual |
| 2025 | $69,689 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71,647 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73,661 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the North Kingstown metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $59,289 (2019) to $69,689 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $73,661 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,372 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the North Kingstown 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) | $54,424 – $62,946 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $62,946 – $71,647 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $71,647 – $77,805 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $77,805 – $86,417 |
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 North Kingstown
The employment landscape in North Kingstown currently supports four occupational therapy assistants, which indicates both a niche market and the potential for job security. Given the area's cost-of-living index of 100.5, take-home pay may not stretch as far as one might hope, potentially impacting purchasing power. Among local employers, skilled nursing facilities and outpatient clinics tend to offer the most competitive compensation. The disparities in pay can often be attributed to various factors, including work setting and productivity expectations. For COTAs looking to maximize their income, seeking employment in pediatric special education or hospitals, which tend to offer higher rates due to weekend/PRN premiums, may be an effective strategy, especially in light of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cuts that have affected many service settings since 2022.
More salary data for North Kingstown, RI:
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 $69,689 for occupational therapy assistantsin the North Kingstown 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 North Kingstown 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