Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in East Providence, RI: $35.60 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in East Providence, RI runs $35.60 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $74,047 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against East Providence's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.5, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.43 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $44,433 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In East Providence, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay is projected to be $35.60 in 2026, slightly below the national hourly median of $35.74. This hourly rate can offer a solid income stream for part-time workers who typically engage in three-day weekly schedules, such as clinic sessions or home health visits. For those venturing into per-diem roles, the flexibility is attractive, with standard rates for occupational therapy assistants falling between $26.05 and $43.01 per hour. Entry-level positions may start closer to $26.05, while more experienced assistants can exceed $43.00 and find roles in various settings like skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, or rehabilitation centers.
About the East Providence Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $26.05 | $208.42 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.54 | $244.36 |
| Median (P50) | $35.60 | $284.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.71 | $309.66 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.01 | $344.04 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in East Providence
Based on $35.60/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.60/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in East Providence, RI can expect to earn approximately $74,054 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,724. With a cost-of-living index of 100.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in East Providence.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in East Providence
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,424.12 | $6,171 | $74,054 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $854.47 | $3,703 | $44,433 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $569.65 | $2,468 | $29,622 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (East Providence) | $35.60 |
| 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 East Providence, RI earn a median of $74,047 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.38% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 0.90% below the Rhode Island state average of $74,719.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.60/hr = $44,433/year (purchasing power: $44,212).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $74,054/year (purchasing power: $73,686).
CoL index: 100.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.46/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.63/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.60/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in East Providence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.46/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.15/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.57/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.77/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.10/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.53/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.63/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.60/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.60/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in East Providence grew 17.5% from $29.46/hr (2019) to $34.63/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.60/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 East Providence 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 East Providence
For those considering part-time employment in East Providence, working 24 hours a week at the projected hourly rate can yield a substantial annual income when compared to full-time options. Per-diem COTAs can expect to bill between $30 and $45 per hour, with travel contracts offering even higher weekly pay, typically ranging from $1,100 to $1,700. As the 15% Medicare Part B cut for OTA-provided services took effect in 2022, many find that agency positions in skilled nursing facilities may yield lower pay due to reimbursement constraints. However, some assistants opt for slightly lower hourly rates in exchange for health benefits, balancing immediate compensation with long-term security. Those negotiating offers should focus on ensuring optimal pay alongside desired benefits, as employer types—ranging from school district contracts to home health agencies—can significantly impact compensation in the East Providence area.
More salary data for East Providence, RI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in East Providence in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in East Providence?
Are occupational therapy assistants in East Providence paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in East Providence?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in East Providence?
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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 East Providence. 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 East Providence 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