Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Montpelier, VT: $57,098 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Montpelier, VT earns a median $57,098/year (≈ $27.45/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Montpelier's price level (4% above national, BEA RPP 103.5), that paycheck buys what $55,167 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.9% below the Vermont state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected occupational therapy assistant salary in Montpelier is estimated to be $57,098, significantly lower than the national median of $74,332. This local estimate reflects a salary range from $43,947 at the 10th percentile to $65,914 at the 90th percentile, offering insight into the earnings potential for practitioners in this area. Occupational therapy assistants in Montpelier find themselves in a competitive market, with only four employed in the area as of 2025. This limited number can influence both job availability and wage growth, making the transition from a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to a Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT), which typically enhances lifetime earnings, a worthwhile consideration for career advancement.
About the Montpelier Market
Salary estimated from Vermont average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,947 | $21.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49,036 | $23.57 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $57,098 | $27.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60,401 | $29.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $65,914 | $31.69 |
Median Salary Position
23.19% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Montpelier
In Montpelier, VT, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $21,967 (2026 est.). At $57,098, the local median is 23.19% below the national median of $74,332.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Montpelier: You'd be above the median
How Montpelier Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Montpelier median: $57,098/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Montpelier Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Vermont Average | $61,995 | -7.90% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | -23.19% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Montpelier, VT earn a median of $57,098 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.19% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 7.90% below the Vermont state average of $61,995.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Montpelier has a cost of living 3.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Montpelier, VT has a cost-of-living index of 103.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $57,098 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $55,167 — a 3.38% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$47,249
2025 BLS Actual
$55,537
2026 Current Est.
$57,098
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Montpelier (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47,249 | Actual |
| 2020 | $48,347 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,418 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,353 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,474 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,008 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,537 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,098 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58,702 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Montpelier metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $47,249 (2019) to $55,537 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $58,702 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,453 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Montpelier 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) | $43,947 – $49,036 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $49,036 – $57,098 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $57,098 – $60,401 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $60,401 – $65,914 |
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 Montpelier
While exploring occupational therapy assistant pay in Montpelier VT, it’s essential to consider the local cost-of-living index, which stands at 103.5, suggesting that everyday expenses are slightly higher than the national average. The positioning of employers greatly affects salary; skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehab tend to offer higher compensation than school districts or outpatient clinics. Factors like productivity expectations, weekend shifts, and contract lengths contribute to the variance in salaries, especially as the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut impacts pay in certain settings. For those aiming to maximize earnings, targeting positions in higher-paying facilities and exploring full-time opportunities over part-time contracts may provide a better financial return, a vital strategy given the competitive nature of the Montpelier job market.
More salary data for Montpelier, VT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Montpelier, VT in 2026?
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Montpelier?
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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 $55,537 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Montpelier 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 Montpelier 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