Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Colchester, VT: $57,386 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Colchester, VT earns a median $57,386/year (≈ $27.59/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Colchester's price level (4% above national, BEA RPP 103.5), that paycheck buys what $55,445 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.4% below the Vermont state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in Colchester, Vermont, can expect a median annual salary of $57,386 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median of $74,332. This projected figure represents a salary range between $44,404 at the 10th percentile and $68,750 at the 90th percentile. These estimates, derived from BLS state-level data and BEA regional price parities, reflect the economic landscape for COTAs in a region where the cost of living index stands at 103.5, indicating that expenses are slightly above the national average. As professionals consider the potential benefits of transitioning to a Master's in Occupational Therapy (MOT), it's crucial to recognize that bridging paths can lead to greater lifetime earnings and expanded career opportunities.
About the Colchester Market
Salary estimated from Vermont average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,404 | $21.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,932 | $24.49 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $57,386 | $27.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $62,256 | $29.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $68,750 | $33.05 |
Median Salary Position
22.8% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Colchester
In Colchester, VT, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $24,346 (2026 est.). At $57,386, the local median is 22.8% below the national median of $74,332.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Colchester: You'd be above the median
How Colchester Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Colchester median: $57,386/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Colchester Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Vermont Average | $61,972 | -7.40% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | -22.80% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Colchester, VT earn a median of $57,386 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.80% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 7.40% below the Vermont state average of $61,972.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Colchester has a cost of living 3.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Colchester, VT has a cost-of-living index of 103.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $57,386 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $55,445 — a 3.38% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$47,488
2025 BLS Actual
$55,818
2026 Current Est.
$57,386
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Colchester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47,488 | Actual |
| 2020 | $48,592 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,658 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,603 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,734 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,317 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,818 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,386 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58,999 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Colchester metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $47,488 (2019) to $55,818 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $58,999 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,511 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Colchester 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) | $44,404 – $50,932 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,932 – $57,386 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $57,386 – $62,256 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $62,256 – $68,750 |
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 Colchester
While there are only four occupational therapy assistants employed in Colchester, the local market shows signs of steady growth, with a projected annual growth rate of 2.81%. However, the slightly higher cost of living may impact take-home purchasing power. Among local employers, skilled nursing facilities and outpatient clinics typically offer the most competitive salaries, often driven by productivity expectations and weekend premiums. Factors such as work setting and the recent 15% cut to Medicare reimbursement for OTA services are significant in determining the pay spread. Given these dynamics, COTAs looking to maximize their earnings might consider seeking opportunities in higher-paying environments, maintaining flexible availability, and pursuing continuing education to enhance job prospects.
More salary data for Colchester, VT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Colchester, VT in 2026?
Is Colchester, VT a good place to work as a occupational therapy assistant?
Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Colchester?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapy assistant salary in Colchester?
How much does a occupational therapy assistant make per hour in Colchester?
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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 $55,818 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Colchester 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 Colchester 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