Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Shelton, CT: $32.45 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Shelton, CT runs $32.45 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $67,484 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Shelton's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.9, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.07 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,494 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, occupational therapy assistants in Shelton, Connecticut, can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $32.45, which is lower than the national median of $35.74. This hourly wage is favorable for those seeking part-time roles, such as working three days a week, providing a reliable income without the commitment of full-time work. The hourly pay range for these positions spans from $23.71 at the lower end to $38.07 for top earners, reflecting a variety of work environments including skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, outpatient clinics, school therapy rooms, and home health visits. For those considering per-diem opportunities, the attractive hourly pay offers flexibility as well as the potential to negotiate rates based on experience and demand. Salary estimates are based on annual figures converted to an hourly format, giving insight into the financial prospects for occupational therapy assistants in this region.
About the Shelton 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) | $23.71 | $189.66 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.79 | $222.32 |
| Median (P50) | $32.45 | $259.57 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.21 | $281.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.07 | $304.56 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Shelton
Based on $32.45/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.45/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Shelton, CT can expect to earn approximately $67,489 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,936. With a cost-of-living index of 107.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Shelton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Shelton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,297.87 | $5,624 | $67,489 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $778.72 | $3,374 | $40,494 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $519.15 | $2,250 | $26,996 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Shelton) | $32.45 |
| 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 Shelton, CT earn a median of $67,484 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.21% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 10.10% below the Connecticut state average of $75,066.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.45/hr = $40,494/year (purchasing power: $37,529).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $67,489/year (purchasing power: $62,548).
CoL index: 107.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.85/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.56/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.45/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Shelton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.85/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.47/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.95/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.05/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.25/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.98/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.56/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.45/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.36/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Shelton grew 17.5% from $26.85/hr (2019) to $31.56/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.36/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 Shelton 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 Shelton
Occupational therapy assistants who work part-time in Shelton can see significant differences in their earnings compared to their full-time counterparts. For example, working 24 hours a week at the hourly median results in an annual take-home pay that may not reach the ceilings seen in full-time employment, but it still allows for flexibility and work-life balance. Per diem, agency, or locum tenens roles typically offer different pay structures; many bill at rates between $30 to $45 per hour, while travel contracts can command weekly pay from $1,100 to $1,700. Though skilled nursing facilities may offer lower rates due to cuts in Medicare reimbursement post-2022, school districts and outpatient clinics might provide more competitive compensation. Some assistants choose lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance, which can be enticing but requires weighing the trade-offs. In Shelton, it is advisable for hourly workers to negotiate effectively, considering the nuances of employer types and their respective pay scales, ensuring they receive fair compensation relative to their skills and the specific setting in which they work.
More salary data for Shelton, CT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Shelton in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Shelton?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Shelton paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Shelton?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Shelton?
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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 Shelton. 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 Shelton 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