Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Montpelier, VT: $27.45 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Montpelier, VT runs $27.45 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $57,098 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Montpelier's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.5, 4% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.52 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,258 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Montpelier, Vermont, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay stands at $27.45, significantly below the national median hourly rate of $35.74. This wage affects various working arrangements, making it essential for part-time professionals or per-diem occupational therapy assistants to consider their earnings when choosing their schedules. For those working three days a week, typically around 24 hours, the earnings may not keep pace with living costs. The hourly rate ranges from $21.13 for entry-level positions to $31.69 for top earners, reflecting disparities based on experience and institutional settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, and outpatient clinics. These projections derived from 2025 BLS data suggest a competitive yet challenging environment for both full-time and part-time OT assistants in Montpelier.
About the Montpelier Market
Salary estimated from Vermont average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.13 | $169.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.57 | $188.59 |
| Median (P50) | $27.45 | $219.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.04 | $232.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.69 | $253.49 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Montpelier
Based on $27.45/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.45/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Montpelier, VT can expect to earn approximately $57,097 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,940. With a cost-of-living index of 103.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Montpelier.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Montpelier
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,098.01 | $4,758 | $57,097 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $658.81 | $2,855 | $34,258 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $439.20 | $1,903 | $22,839 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Montpelier) | $27.45 |
| 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 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.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.45/hr = $34,258/year (purchasing power: $33,099).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $57,097/year (purchasing power: $55,166).
CoL index: 103.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$22.72/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.70/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.45/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate 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 | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.72/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.24/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.80/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.73/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.75/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.33/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.70/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.45/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.22/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Montpelier grew 17.5% from $22.72/hr (2019) to $26.70/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.22/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 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.
Working as an Hourly Occupational Therapy Assistant in Montpelier
Exploring earning potential as a part-time occupational therapy assistant reveals that working just 24 hours per week translates into a take-home income that may not meet the demands of the local cost of living. In contrast, full-time professionals enjoy higher annual earnings, which can be vital for those supporting families or seeking financial stability. For per-diem workers, occupational therapy assistant pay in Montpelier typically falls between $30 and $45 per hour, particularly for agency positions that often offer travel contracts ranging from $1,100 to $1,700 weekly. Employers within this sector—such as skilled nursing facilities and outpatient clinics—often have varied pay scales, influenced by the recent 15% Medicare reduction affecting reimbursements. While some may opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits like health insurance, others may prioritize higher hourly pay without those benefits. Knowing how to negotiate effectively for better rates can make a significant difference in overall financial health for occupational therapy assistants working in Montpelier.
More salary data for Montpelier, VT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Montpelier in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Montpelier?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Montpelier paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Montpelier?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time 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
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 Montpelier. 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 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