Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Cumberland, RI: $71,096 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Cumberland, RI earns a median $71,096/year (≈ $34.18/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Cumberland's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.5), that paycheck buys what $70,742 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.8% below the Rhode Island state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cumberland, Rhode Island, the occupational therapy assistant salary is projected to reach a median annual figure of $71,096 in 2026. The salary range for this profession in the area varies significantly, with the lower end at $53,189 and the higher end reaching $84,704. These local salary estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data along with adjustments for regional cost variations. Factors such as the expected productivity in terms of visits per day and the demand for services greatly contribute to a competitive compensation landscape that reflects both the responsibilities associated with the role and the specific needs of the population served.
About the Cumberland Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,189 | $25.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $61,804 | $29.71 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $71,096 | $34.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78,154 | $37.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $84,704 | $40.72 |
Median Salary Position
4.35% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cumberland
In Cumberland, RI, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $31,515 (2026 est.). At $71,096, the local median is 4.35% below the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Cumberland: You'd be above the median
How Cumberland Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Cumberland median: $71,096/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cumberland Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island Average | $74,681 | -4.80% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | -4.35% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Cumberland, RI earn a median of $71,096 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.35% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 4.80% below the Rhode Island state average of $74,681.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cumberland has a cost of living 0.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Cumberland, RI has a cost-of-living index of 100.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $71,096 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $70,742 — a 0.5% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$58,833
2025 BLS Actual
$69,153
2026 Current Est.
$71,096
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Cumberland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,833 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,200 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,043 | Actual |
| 2022 | $61,453 | Actual |
| 2023 | $64,093 | Actual |
| 2024 | $66,954 | Actual |
| 2025 | $69,153 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71,096 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73,094 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cumberland metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $58,833 (2019) to $69,153 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $73,094 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,261 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cumberland 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) | $53,189 – $61,804 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $61,804 – $71,096 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $71,096 – $78,154 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $78,154 – $84,704 |
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 Cumberland
The job market for occupational therapy assistants in Cumberland is modest, with only 8 practitioners currently employed in the area. The cost of living index at 100.5 suggests that expenses are slightly higher than the national average, impacting overall take-home pay and purchasing power. Generally, employers such as skilled nursing facilities and outpatient clinics tend to offer higher salaries compared to other settings like schools or early intervention programs. The disparity in pay can be influenced by several factors including productivity expectations, added premiums for weekend or PRN work, and the effects of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut. To maximize earnings in Cumberland, COTAs should consider seeking positions in higher-paying environments and potentially exploring COTA-to-MOT bridge programs to advance their careers and enhance their marketability.
More salary data for Cumberland, RI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Cumberland, RI in 2026?
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Cumberland?
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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 $69,153 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Cumberland 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 Cumberland 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