Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Essex Junction, VT: $58,608 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Essex Junction, VT earns a median $58,608/year (≈ $28.18/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Essex Junction's price level (4% above national, BEA RPP 103.5), that paycheck buys what $56,626 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.5% below the Vermont state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, occupational therapy assistants in Essex Junction, Vermont, can expect a median annual salary of $58,608, which is approximately 21.15% below the national median of $74,332. The salary range for this role spans from $42,707 at the 10th percentile to $70,513 at the 90th percentile. These figures reflect local estimates based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for the cost of living in the area. Essex Junction's job market for occupational therapy assistants is modest, with only six professionals currently employed, underscoring the regional dynamics at play in shaping salaries and opportunities within the field.
About the Essex Junction Market
Salary estimated from Vermont average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,707 | $20.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52,213 | $25.11 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $58,608 | $28.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $63,766 | $30.66 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $70,513 | $33.90 |
Median Salary Position
21.15% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Essex Junction
In Essex Junction, VT, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $27,806 (2026 est.). At $58,608, the local median is 21.15% below the national median of $74,332.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Essex Junction: You'd be above the median
How Essex Junction Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Essex Junction median: $58,608/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Essex Junction Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Vermont Average | $62,019 | -5.50% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | -21.15% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Essex Junction, VT earn a median of $58,608 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.15% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 5.50% below the Vermont state average of $62,019.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Essex Junction has a cost of living 3.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Essex Junction, VT has a cost-of-living index of 103.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $58,608 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $56,626 — a 3.38% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$48,498
2025 BLS Actual
$57,006
2026 Current Est.
$58,608
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Essex Junction (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,498 | Actual |
| 2020 | $49,626 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,672 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,659 | Actual |
| 2023 | $52,835 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,622 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,006 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,608 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60,255 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Essex Junction metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $48,498 (2019) to $57,006 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $60,255 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,757 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Essex Junction 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) | $42,707 – $52,213 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $52,213 – $58,608 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $58,608 – $63,766 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $63,766 – $70,513 |
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 Essex Junction
Understanding the local job market for occupational therapy assistants involves analyzing factors like the cost of living index, which stands at 103.5, indicating that expenses are slightly above the national average. This cost consideration directly impacts take-home purchasing power. Employers that typically offer higher pay include skilled nursing facilities and inpatient rehabilitation hospitals, while school districts may provide less lucrative options. The disparity between low and high wages can be attributed to workplace settings, productivity expectations, and the recent 15% cut to Medicare reimbursement rates for OTA services, which particularly affects skilled nursing and outpatient roles. For COTAs in Essex Junction, pursuing opportunities in higher-paying settings, such as hospitals, or exploring year-round contracts may enhance earning potential, making informed career choices critical in a competitive market.
More salary data for Essex Junction, VT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Essex Junction, VT in 2026?
Is Essex Junction, VT a good place to work as a occupational therapy assistant?
Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Essex Junction?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapy assistant salary in Essex Junction?
How much does a occupational therapy assistant make per hour in Essex Junction?
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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 $57,006 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Essex Junction 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 Essex Junction 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