Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Fairfield, CT: $73,829 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Fairfield, CT earns a median $73,829/year (≈ $35.49/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Fairfield's price level (8% above national, BEA RPP 107.9), that paycheck buys what $68,424 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.7% below the Connecticut state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, those entering the field as an occupational therapy assistant in Fairfield, Connecticut can expect a median annual salary of $73,829, reflecting slightly below the national median of $74,332. The salary range for this profession is notable, spanning from $54,927 at the 10th percentile to $95,158 at the 90th percentile. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and account for regional cost variations. The pathway from a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to a Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) can enhance earning potential substantially over a lifetime, making it an appealing career option in the evolving healthcare landscape of Fairfield. With a growing demand for skilled professionals in this field, the local job market presents opportunities that are both financially and personally rewarding.
About the Fairfield Market
Salary estimated from Connecticut average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,927 | $26.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $64,280 | $30.90 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $73,829 | $35.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78,988 | $37.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $95,158 | $45.75 |
Median Salary Position
0.68% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fairfield
In Fairfield, CT, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $40,231 (2026 est.). At $73,829, the local median is 0.68% below the national median of $74,332.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Fairfield: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Fairfield Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Fairfield median: $73,829/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fairfield Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut Average | $75,106 | -1.70% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | -0.68% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Fairfield, CT earn a median of $73,829 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.68% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 1.70% below the Connecticut state average of $75,106.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fairfield has a cost of living 7.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fairfield, CT has a cost-of-living index of 107.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $73,829 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $68,424 — a 7.32% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$61,094
2025 BLS Actual
$71,811
2026 Current Est.
$73,829
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Fairfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,094 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,514 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,312 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,815 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,557 | Actual |
| 2024 | $76,391 | Actual |
| 2025 | $71,811 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $73,829 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75,903 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fairfield metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $61,094 (2019) to $71,811 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $75,903 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,809 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fairfield 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $54,927 – $64,280 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $64,280 – $73,829 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $73,829 – $78,988 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $78,988 – $95,158 |
OTA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapy assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Job Market in Fairfield
Despite the promising compensation, occupational therapy assistants in Fairfield face a cost of living index of 107.9, indicating higher expenses compared to the national average. Currently, only nine occupational therapy assistants are employed in the area, which suggests a specialized market. In terms of job settings, skilled nursing facilities and inpatient rehabilitation hospitals typically offer the highest salaries, while school districts may provide more stable contracts without weekend requirements. Factors contributing to the wage disparity include expectations for productivity, changes in Medicare reimbursements, and the impact of the 15% reduction in Medicare payments that has caused financial pressures in outpatient settings. Those seeking to maximize their pay in Fairfield should consider pursuing positions in these higher-paying facilities or negotiating contracts that align with less stressful schedules, allowing for better work-life balance alongside financial security.
More salary data for Fairfield, CT:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $71,811 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Fairfield metropolitan area. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Fairfield 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