Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Greenbelt, MD: $36.98 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Greenbelt, MD runs $36.98 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $76,922 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Greenbelt's regional price level (BEA RPP 109.3, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $33.83 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,152 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Greenbelt, Maryland, the projected median hourly pay for occupational therapy assistants is $36.98, exceeding the national median of $35.74 by approximately 3.48%. This hourly rate offers promising opportunities for both part-time and per-diem workers, particularly in diverse settings like skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, and outpatient clinics. Part-time occupational therapy assistants, working a traditional 3-day workweek, can maintain a flexible schedule while earning a competitive wage. The hourly pay ranges from $27.04 for entry-level positions to about $44.60 for the most experienced practitioners, providing a clear pathway for career advancement and financial growth within the field based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026.
About the Greenbelt Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $27.04 | $216.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.56 | $252.50 |
| Median (P50) | $36.98 | $295.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.30 | $322.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.60 | $356.79 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Greenbelt
Based on $36.98/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.98/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Greenbelt, MD can expect to earn approximately $76,920 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,377. With a cost-of-living index of 109.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Greenbelt.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Greenbelt
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,479.23 | $6,410 | $76,920 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $887.54 | $3,846 | $46,152 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $591.69 | $2,564 | $30,768 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Greenbelt) | $36.98 |
| 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 Greenbelt, MD earn a median of $76,922 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.48% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 5.30% below the Maryland state average of $81,227.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.98/hr = $46,152/year (purchasing power: $42,225).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $76,920/year (purchasing power: $70,375).
CoL index: 109.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$30.60/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.97/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.98/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Greenbelt (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.60/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.31/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.71/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.97/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.34/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.82/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.97/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.98/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.02/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Greenbelt grew 17.5% from $30.60/hr (2019) to $35.97/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.02/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 Greenbelt 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 Greenbelt
Considering the dynamics of part-time employment in the industry, a COTA working 24 hours a week would take home substantially less than a full-time employee, impacting annual earnings significantly. For those in the per diem sector, compensation can range from roughly $30 to $45 per hour, allowing flexibility at the expense of job security. Agency positions often command higher rates but can fluctuate due to varying reimbursement models and the effects of the 15% Medicare Part B cut introduced in 2022. Hourly rates also differ significantly depending on the employer type in Greenbelt; skilled nursing facilities may offer lower rates compared to outpatient or home health agencies that provide benefits as part of their compensation package. As occupational therapy assistants negotiate their pay, it’s essential to weigh the benefits of stability against higher hourly wages without health insurance, ensuring they understand the full spectrum of opportunities available in the MD market.
More salary data for Greenbelt, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Greenbelt in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Greenbelt?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Greenbelt paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Greenbelt?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Greenbelt?
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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 Greenbelt. 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 Greenbelt 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