Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Milford, CT: $73,413 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Milford, CT earns a median $73,413/year (≈ $35.29/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Milford's price level (8% above national, BEA RPP 107.9), that paycheck buys what $68,038 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.2% below the Connecticut state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Milford, Connecticut, occupational therapy assistants earn a projected median annual salary of $73,413 for 2026, which reflects the local market dynamics and adjustments based on regional cost of living indicators. Salaries for this role range from $54,035 at the 10th percentile to as much as $93,987 for those at the 90th percentile. These figures, derived from projections based on 2025 BLS data, highlight the investment potential of pursuing a COTA-to-MOT bridge program. Advancing to a Master of Occupational Therapy can significantly enhance lifetime earning potential in an evolving job market, particularly in Milford, where the demand for qualified professionals remains robust in various healthcare settings.
About the Milford Market
Salary estimated from Connecticut average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,035 | $25.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $63,425 | $30.49 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $73,413 | $35.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $82,397 | $39.61 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $93,987 | $45.18 |
Median Salary Position
1.24% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Milford
In Milford, CT, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $39,952 (2026 est.). At $73,413, the local median is 1.24% below the national median of $74,332.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Milford: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Milford Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Milford median: $73,413/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Milford Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut Average | $75,064 | -2.20% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | -1.24% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Milford, CT earn a median of $73,413 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.24% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 2.20% below the Connecticut state average of $75,064.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Milford has a cost of living 7.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Milford, CT has a cost-of-living index of 107.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $73,413 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $68,038 — a 7.32% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$60,749
2025 BLS Actual
$71,406
2026 Current Est.
$73,413
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Milford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,749 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,162 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,967 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,456 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,181 | Actual |
| 2024 | $75,960 | Actual |
| 2025 | $71,406 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $73,413 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75,475 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Milford metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $60,749 (2019) to $71,406 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $75,475 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,726 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Milford 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) | $54,035 – $63,425 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $63,425 – $73,413 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $73,413 – $82,397 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $82,397 – $93,987 |
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 Milford
With nine occupational therapy assistants currently employed in Milford, the local job market presents a stable yet competitive environment. The cost-of-living index stands at 107.9, indicating that expenses in the area are slightly higher than the national average, which indirectly impacts take-home pay and overall purchasing power. Among local employers, skilled nursing facilities and inpatient rehab hospitals tend to offer the highest compensation, while school contracts generally provide stable earnings with lower overall pay. Factors like productivity expectations, weekend and PRN pay differentials, and the ramifications of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut have contributed to the significant salary range within the field. To maximize pay in Milford, professionals should consider seeking employment in high-paying settings, staying updated on Medicare regulations, and exploring continuous education opportunities to enhance their skill sets.
More salary data for Milford, CT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Milford, CT in 2026?
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Milford?
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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 $71,406 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Milford 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 Milford 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