Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Portsmouth, NH: $76,529 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Portsmouth, NH earns a median $76,529/year (≈ $36.80/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Portsmouth's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.3), that paycheck buys what $71,322 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.0% below the New Hampshire state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Portsmouth, New Hampshire, the occupational therapy assistant salary is projected to be robust in 2026, with a median annual figure of $76,529. Compensation for COTAs ranges significantly, from $57,641 at the lower end of the scale to $86,814 for those in the 90th percentile, showcasing the variability in pay based on experience and setting. These estimates draw from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local cost considerations, and indicate a market that offers competitive remuneration, particularly when compared to the national median annual salary of $74,332. The strong productivity expectations in the field, influenced by the number of visits per day, play a crucial role in defining effective compensation packages in Portsmouth's job market.
About the Portsmouth Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,641 | $27.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $66,595 | $32.02 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $76,529 | $36.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80,179 | $38.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $86,814 | $41.74 |
Median Salary Position
2.96% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Portsmouth
In Portsmouth, NH, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $29,173 (2026 est.). At $76,529, the local median is 2.96% above the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Portsmouth: You'd be above the median
How Portsmouth Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Portsmouth median: $76,529/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Portsmouth Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire Average | $79,717 | -4.00% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | +2.96% more |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Portsmouth, NH earn a median of $76,529 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.96% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 4.00% below the New Hampshire state average of $79,717.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Portsmouth has a cost of living 7.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Portsmouth, NH has a cost-of-living index of 107.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $76,529 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $71,322 — a 6.8% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$63,328
2025 BLS Actual
$74,437
2026 Current Est.
$76,529
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Portsmouth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63,328 | Actual |
| 2020 | $64,800 | Actual |
| 2021 | $63,555 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,149 | Actual |
| 2023 | $68,991 | Actual |
| 2024 | $70,010 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,437 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,529 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78,679 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Portsmouth metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $63,328 (2019) to $74,437 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $78,679 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,351 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Portsmouth 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) | $57,641 – $66,595 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $66,595 – $76,529 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $76,529 – $80,179 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $80,179 – $86,814 |
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 Portsmouth
The local job market for occupational therapy assistants reflects a unique landscape, with only five COTAs currently employed in Portsmouth. The cost-of-living index here stands at 107.3, suggesting that although salaries are strong, the take-home purchasing power may be impacted by living expenses above the national average. Facilities such as hospital inpatient rehabilitation centers typically provide the highest pay for occupational therapy assistants in the area. The salary disparities are driven by factors like the setting of employment—hospitals generally compensate better than school districts—or the influence of weekend or PRN premiums. Additionally, the continued effects of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut on OTA-provided services have led to tighter budgets, particularly in skilled nursing facilities and outpatient clinics. For those looking to maximize their earnings in Portsmouth NH, targeting positions in hospital settings or exploring contracts with home health agencies may offer the best pathways to higher pay.
More salary data for Portsmouth, NH:
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 $74,437 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth 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