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

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Rhode Island employs 300 occupational therapy assistants, with a statewide median of $66,710 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Rhode Island licensing picture, and where to train.

What Occupational therapy assistants Earn in Rhode Island (May 2025)

Rhode Island median pay: $66,710 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $58,220
Experienced (75th percentile): $72,980
Top earners (90th percentile): $75,560
Employed in Rhode Island: 300
U.S. median (for comparison): $68,340 (May 2024)

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

Providence: $67,300 (440 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in Rhode Island

Prices in Rhode Island run about 2% above the national average (cost-of-living index 102.3 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $66,710 median is worth closer to $65,210 once higher local prices are factored in.

Job Outlook in Rhode Island (2024–2034)

Rhode Island is projected to grow occupational therapy assistants employment +15.6%, slower than the +19.3% projected nationally. The state expects about 60 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Rhode Island License and Certification Requirements

Licensed Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) — regulated by the Rhode Island Dept. of Health — Occupational Therapy.

Earn an ACOTE-accredited OTA associate degree.
Pass the NBCOT certification exam to become a COTA.
Apply for licensure through RI DOH.

Official requirements: Rhode Island Dept. of Health — Occupational Therapy →

Training in Rhode Island

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

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Rhode Island include:

Community College of Rhode Island — Associate
New England Institute of Technology — Associate

Where Occupational therapy assistants Work in Rhode Island

Real Rhode Island outpatient rehab clinics that employ occupational therapy assistants include:

Sargent Rehab Center — Warwick
St Antoine Residence — North Smithfield
Berkshire Place — Providence
Coventry Operations RI LLC dba Respiratory and Rehabilitation Center of RI — Coventry
Elmhurst Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center — Providence
Lincolnwood Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center — North Providence

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 Rhode Island?

The median wage for occupational therapy assistants in Rhode Island is $66,710 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $58,220, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $75,560. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

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

Licensed Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA), overseen by the Rhode Island Dept. of Health — Occupational Therapy. Earn an ACOTE-accredited OTA associate degree.

Is being an Occupational Therapy Assistant a good career in Rhode Island?

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

Which Rhode Island metros pay occupational therapy assistants the most?

Among Rhode Island metro areas, Providence leads at $67,300. 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 Rhode Island?

Real Rhode Island options include Community College of Rhode Island, New England Institute of Technology. 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 Rhode Island?

Rhode Island projects occupational therapy assistants employment to change +15.6% from 2024 to 2034, with about 60 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), Rhode Island statewide and metro estimates for SOC 31-2011. Licensing summary compiled from the Rhode Island Dept. of Health — Occupational Therapy (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 Rhode Island wages · Rhode Island 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.