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Occupational Therapy Assistant in Maine: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start

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Maine employs 250 occupational therapy assistants, with a statewide median of $64,270 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Maine licensing picture, and where to train.

What Occupational therapy assistants Earn in Maine (May 2025)

Maine median pay: $64,270 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $53,230
Experienced (75th percentile): $75,520
Top earners (90th percentile): $81,220
Employed in Maine: 250
U.S. median (for comparison): $68,340 (May 2024)

Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for occupational therapy assistants in major Maine markets:

Portland: $64,700 (60 employed)
Bangor: $63,520 (40 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in Maine

Prices in Maine run about 3% below the national average (cost-of-living index 97.0 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $64,270 median stretches to roughly $66,258 in national buying-power terms.

Job Outlook in Maine (2024–2034)

Maine is projected to grow occupational therapy assistants employment +11.2%, slower than the +19.3% projected nationally. The state expects about 20 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Maine License and Certification Requirements

Licensed Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) — regulated by the Maine Board of Occupational Therapy Practice (OPOR).

Earn an ACOTE-accredited OTA associate degree.
Pass the NBCOT certification exam to become a COTA.
Apply to the Maine Board of Occupational Therapy Practice (OPOR).

Official requirements: Maine Board of Occupational Therapy Practice (OPOR) →

Training in Maine

Strong demand in rehab, pediatrics, and senior care. Confirm ACOTE accreditation and fieldwork placements.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Maine include:

Beal University — Associate
Central Maine Community College — Associate
Eastern Maine Community College — Associate
Kennebec Valley Community College — Associate

Where Occupational therapy assistants Work in Maine

Real Maine outpatient rehab clinics that employ occupational therapy assistants include:

Saco Bay Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy — Auburn
Saco Bay Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy — Bangor
Maine Center for Integrated Rehabilition — Brewer
Preferred Therapy Outpatient Services of ME, LLC — Brunswick
Riverview Physical Therapy Limited Partnership — Yarmouth
Barron Center — Portland

Is This the Right Move for You?

Best for: Patient, practical people who enjoy helping others rebuild daily-life skills.

Think twice if: You want independent desk work or dislike clinical documentation.

Why it's resilient: Occupational therapy support blends hands-on care, adaptation, human context, and patient motivation.

First Steps

Find ACOTE-accredited OTA programs and review fieldwork requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Maine?

The median wage for occupational therapy assistants in Maine is $64,270 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $53,230, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $81,220. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

What license or certification do you need to become an Occupational Therapy Assistant in Maine?

Licensed Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA), overseen by the Maine Board of Occupational Therapy Practice (OPOR). Earn an ACOTE-accredited OTA associate degree.

Is being an Occupational Therapy Assistant a good career in Maine?

Occupational therapy support blends hands-on care, adaptation, human context, and patient motivation.

Which Maine metros pay occupational therapy assistants the most?

Among Maine metro areas, Portland leads at $64,700, followed by Bangor ($63,520). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.

Where can I train to become an Occupational Therapy Assistant in Maine?

Real Maine options include Beal University, Central Maine Community College, Eastern Maine Community College. Most occupational therapy assistants start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.

Is Occupational Therapy Assistant a growing career in Maine?

Maine projects occupational therapy assistants employment to change +11.2% from 2024 to 2034, with about 20 openings a year — a growing field in the state.

Sources and Verification

Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Maine statewide and metro estimates for SOC 31-2011. Licensing summary compiled from the Maine Board of Occupational Therapy Practice (OPOR) (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.

BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Maine wages · Maine licensing/certification source

Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities; Employer lists from CMS Provider of Services, the FAA Part 145 directory, EIA Form 860, and USGS/state EMS registries (2026).

Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.