Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Bowie, MD: $80,847 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Bowie, MD earns a median $80,847/year (≈ $38.87/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Bowie's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 109.3), that paycheck buys what $73,968 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.5% below the Maryland state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in Bowie, Maryland, can expect to see an annual median salary of $80,847 in 2026, showing an increase of approximately 8.76% compared to the national median of $74,332. This salary reflects a range from $55,222 at the lower 10th percentile to $97,993 at the higher 90th percentile, illustrating the potential for pay variation based on experience and job setting. The figures mentioned are projections based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost of living factors prevailing in Bowie, which has a cost-of-living index of 109.3, slightly above the national average. With a market for 10 occupational therapy assistants currently employing locally, job seekers may find ample opportunities, although the competitive nature of the healthcare sector in Bowie could influence salary negotiations.
About the Bowie Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,222 | $26.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $66,696 | $32.07 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $80,847 | $38.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $87,621 | $42.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $97,993 | $47.11 |
Median Salary Position
8.76% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bowie
In Bowie, MD, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $42,771 (2026 est.). At $80,847, the local median is 8.76% above the national median of $74,332.
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How Bowie Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Bowie median: $80,847/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bowie Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Average | $81,253 | -0.50% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | +8.76% more |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Bowie, MD earn a median of $80,847 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.76% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 0.50% below the Maryland state average of $81,253.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bowie has a cost of living 9.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bowie, MD has a cost-of-living index of 109.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $80,847 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $73,968 — a 8.51% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$66,901
2025 BLS Actual
$78,637
2026 Current Est.
$80,847
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Bowie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $66,901 | Actual |
| 2020 | $68,457 | Actual |
| 2021 | $67,141 | Actual |
| 2022 | $69,881 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,883 | Actual |
| 2024 | $78,311 | Actual |
| 2025 | $78,637 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80,847 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $83,118 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bowie metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $66,901 (2019) to $78,637 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $83,118 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,217 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bowie 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) | $55,222 – $66,696 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $66,696 – $80,847 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $80,847 – $87,621 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $87,621 – $97,993 |
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 Bowie
The job market for occupational therapy assistants in Bowie, MD, presents both opportunities and challenges. Local employers—including skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and school districts—vary widely in compensation practices, often driven by productivity expectations and reimbursement structures. For instance, settings like hospitals typically offer higher pay, while school contracts might provide less financial incentive, particularly in light of the 15% Medicare cut impacting OTA services since 2022. Understanding the nuances of these environments can significantly affect how much occupational therapy assistants make in Bowie. To maximize earning potential, COTAs could consider seeking employment in higher-paying facilities, pursuing part-time roles in outpatient clinics, or exploring weekend/PRN opportunities. Additionally, those on a COTA-to-MOT bridge pathway may find that advanced qualifications can facilitate access to better salary options in this evolving field.
More salary data for Bowie, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Bowie, MD in 2026?
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Bowie?
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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 $78,637 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Bowie 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 Bowie 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