Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Cheshire, CT: $34.46 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Cheshire, CT runs $34.46 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $71,685 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Cheshire's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.9, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $31.94 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $43,008 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cheshire, Connecticut, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay is projected to be $34.46 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $35.74. This rate allows part-time professionals—who may work three days a week in various settings like skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and school therapy rooms—to earn a respectable income while maintaining flexibility in their schedules. Per-diem workers in this field can anticipate rates between $25.96 and $41.35, depending on their experience and the complexity of their assignments. Beginners may start at the lower end of the range, while seasoned professionals command higher wages, reflecting their experience and specialized skills. These estimates derive from annual salary data and provide a basis for understanding what working as an occupational therapy assistant in Cheshire can offer financially.
About the Cheshire Market
Salary estimated from Connecticut average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25.96 | $207.68 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.09 | $240.74 |
| Median (P50) | $34.46 | $275.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.22 | $297.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.35 | $330.80 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cheshire
Based on $34.46/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.46/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cheshire, CT can expect to earn approximately $71,681 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,354. With a cost-of-living index of 107.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Cheshire.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cheshire
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,378.48 | $5,973 | $71,681 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $827.09 | $3,584 | $43,008 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $551.39 | $2,389 | $28,672 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Cheshire) | $34.46 |
| Occupational Therapist (National Avg) | $47.00 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Athletic Trainer (National Avg) | $27.85 |
| Recreational Therapist (National Avg) | $27.50 |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Cheshire, CT earn a median of $71,685 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.56% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 4.50% below the Connecticut state average of $75,063.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.46/hr = $43,008/year (purchasing power: $39,860).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $71,681/year (purchasing power: $66,433).
CoL index: 107.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.52/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.52/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.46/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Cheshire (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.52/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.18/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.62/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.79/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.07/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.66/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.52/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.46/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.43/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Cheshire grew 17.5% from $28.52/hr (2019) to $33.52/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.43/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem occupational therapy assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cheshire 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.
Working as an Hourly Occupational Therapy Assistant in Cheshire
A part-time occupational therapy assistant working 24 hours a week can expect to take home approximately $42,052 annually, contrasting with full-time peers who benefit from greater income stability. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Cheshire typically ranges from $30 to $45 per hour, a viable option for those seeking flexibility or additional income. However, the pay landscape may vary significantly based on employer type; skilled nursing facilities often offer lower rates compared to hospital rehab units or private outpatient clinics that may provide additional incentives. The ongoing 15% Medicare Part B reduction for OTA services initiated in 2022 continues to impact reimbursement rates, complicating pay negotiations. Therefore, when determining employment options, COTAs should weigh the benefits of higher hourly pay with positions that come with health insurance and other perks. For those negotiating hourly rates in Cheshire, it's crucial to research and understand employer-specific compensation structures, which will enable them to advocate effectively for better pay while ensuring they align with state regulations and support systems, including AOTA guidelines and NBCOT credentials.
More salary data for Cheshire, CT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Cheshire in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Cheshire?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Cheshire paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Cheshire?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Cheshire?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for occupational therapy assistants in Cheshire. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cheshire 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