Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Groton, CT: $72,780 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Groton, CT earns a median $72,780/year (≈ $34.99/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Groton's price level (8% above national, BEA RPP 107.9), that paycheck buys what $67,451 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.1% below the Connecticut state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Groton, CT, the median annual salary for an occupational therapy assistant is projected to be $72,780 in 2026, slightly lower than the national figure of $74,332. Salary ranges are quite variable, from $50,549 at the 10th percentile to as high as $89,275 at the 90th percentile. These figures, derived from BLS state-level data along with regional price adjustments, reflect the current realities within different settings such as skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), schools, and hospitals, particularly in light of the 15% cuts to Medicare reimbursement seen since 2022. As Groton faces these challenges, the local job market remains competitive, shaped significantly by the care environment and demand for services.
About the Groton Market
Salary estimated from Connecticut average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,549 | $24.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $64,878 | $31.19 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $72,780 | $34.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79,944 | $38.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $89,275 | $42.92 |
Median Salary Position
2.09% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Groton
In Groton, CT, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $38,726 (2026 est.). At $72,780, the local median is 2.09% below the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Groton: You'd be above the median
How Groton Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Groton median: $72,780/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Groton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut Average | $75,109 | -3.10% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | -2.09% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Groton, CT earn a median of $72,780 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.09% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 3.10% below the Connecticut state average of $75,109.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Groton has a cost of living 7.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Groton, CT has a cost-of-living index of 107.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $72,780 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $67,451 — a 7.32% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$60,226
2025 BLS Actual
$70,791
2026 Current Est.
$72,780
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Groton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,226 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,626 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,442 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,909 | Actual |
| 2023 | $65,611 | Actual |
| 2024 | $75,306 | Actual |
| 2025 | $70,791 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72,780 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74,825 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Groton metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $60,226 (2019) to $70,791 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $74,825 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,599 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Groton 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) | $50,549 – $64,878 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $64,878 – $72,780 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $72,780 – $79,944 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $79,944 – $89,275 |
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 Groton
In Groton, the job market for occupational therapy assistants is relatively tight, with only six professionals currently employed in this field. The cost-of-living index of 107.9 indicates that while expenses may be higher than the national average, salaries need to align to maintain purchasing power. Among local employers, skilled nursing facilities tend to offer the highest pay, especially when compared to options such as school districts or outpatient clinics. The variance in compensation can often be attributed to the setting in which COTAs work, with hospital-based positions generally providing better hourly rates due to higher productivity expectations. Additionally, to maximize income, COTAs in Groton should consider roles that offer weekend and PRN premiums, as well as options for year-round contracts, as these factors can significantly influence earnings amid the context of reduced Medicare reimbursements.
More salary data for Groton, 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 $70,791 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Groton 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 Groton 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