Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Stratford, CT: $74,376 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Stratford, CT earns a median $74,376/year (≈ $35.76/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Stratford's price level (8% above national, BEA RPP 107.9), that paycheck buys what $68,930 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the Connecticut state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Stratford, Connecticut, the occupational therapy assistant salary is projected to reach $74,376 by 2026, slightly above the national median of $74,332. This upward trend is indicative of a competitive local job market, where the salary range for this role spans from $50,336 at the 10th percentile to $89,710 at the 90th percentile. These figures reflect local estimates derived from BLS state-level data and adjustments for regional cost variations, making it crucial for aspiring occupational therapy assistants to understand how productivity expectations and visits-per-day can influence effective compensation in this environment. Given Stratford’s focus on healthcare services and rehabilitation, job availability can impact salary potential, highlighting the importance of local demand in this field.
About the Stratford Market
Salary estimated from Connecticut average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,336 | $24.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $65,413 | $31.45 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $74,376 | $35.76 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80,172 | $38.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $89,710 | $43.13 |
Median Salary Position
0.06% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Stratford
In Stratford, CT, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $39,374 (2026 est.). At $74,376, the local median is 0.06% above the national median of $74,332.
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How Stratford Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Stratford median: $74,376/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Stratford Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut Average | $75,051 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | +0.06% more |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Stratford, CT earn a median of $74,376 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.06% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 0.90% below the Connecticut state average of $75,051.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Stratford has a cost of living 7.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Stratford, CT has a cost-of-living index of 107.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $74,376 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $68,930 — a 7.32% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$61,547
2025 BLS Actual
$72,343
2026 Current Est.
$74,376
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Stratford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,547 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,977 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,767 | Actual |
| 2022 | $64,288 | Actual |
| 2023 | $67,050 | Actual |
| 2024 | $76,957 | Actual |
| 2025 | $72,343 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $74,376 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $76,466 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Stratford metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $61,547 (2019) to $72,343 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $76,466 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,919 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Stratford 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) | $50,336 – $65,413 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $65,413 – $74,376 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $74,376 – $80,172 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $80,172 – $89,710 |
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 Stratford
Analyzing the local job market, there are currently 13 occupational therapy assistants employed in Stratford, emphasizing a specialized niche within the community. With a cost-of-living index at 107.9, the economic landscape suggests that while salaries may seem competitive, take-home purchasing power is moderated by higher living expenses. Among employers in the area, skilled nursing facilities typically offer the highest salaries, followed by hospital inpatient rehabilitation centers. Factors such as productivity demands, the structure of school year versus year-round contracts, and the recent 15% Medicare reimbursement cut affect compensation disparities. For those looking to elevate their pay, focusing on settings that offer higher rates, maintaining an adaptable schedule, and pursuing advanced certifications can be effective strategies in maximizing occupational therapy assistant pay in Stratford, CT.
More salary data for Stratford, CT:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Stratford?
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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 $72,343 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Stratford 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 Stratford 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