OT Assistant Salary

Allen Park vs Detroit: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary (2026)

Compare occupational therapy assistant salaries between Allen Park, MI and Detroit, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Allen Park, MI
$66,944
$32.18/hr
Detroit, MI
$62,611
$30.10/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAllen Park, MIDetroit, MI
Median Salary$66,944$62,611
Hourly Rate$32.18$30.10
Entry Level (P10)$51,459$53,739
25th Percentile$57,933$60,843
75th Percentile$73,236$78,938
Top Earner (P90)$81,877$92,025
Total Employed5470
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Allen Park ($66,944) and Detroit ($62,611) occupational therapy assistant salaries.Allen ParkDetroitMedian Salary$66,944$62,611Entry Level (P10)$51,459$53,739Top Earner (P90)$81,877$92,025US Median $74,332

Verdict

Allen Park and Detroit are closely matched on overall occupational therapy assistant compensation, each winning on different metrics.

The salary gap between Allen Park and Detroit is $4,333 (6.92%). Allen Park's median is -9.94% compared to the US national median of $74,332.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Allen Park spans $30,418,Detroit spans $38,286. Detroit has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced occupational therapy assistants.

Allen Park
P10 (Entry)$51,459
P25$57,933
Median$66,944
P75$73,236
P90 (Top)$81,877
Detroit
P10 (Entry)$53,739
P25$60,843
Median$62,611
P75$78,938
P90 (Top)$92,025

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Allen Park ($71,828 effective) pays 15.06% more than Detroit ($62,425 effective).

Allen Park
Nominal: $66,944
CoL Index: 93.2
Adjusted: $71,828
Detroit
Nominal: $62,611
CoL Index: 100.298
Adjusted: $62,425

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Allen Park if…

  • Higher median salary ($66,944/year)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $71,828)
  • You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle

Choose Detroit if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($92,025)
  • Larger job market (470 employed)
  • You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapy assistant salaries in Allen Park grew 13.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 13.4% growth in Detroit over the same period.

Allen Park, MI

+13.0%

$57,639 (2024) → $65,114 (2025)

Detroit, MI

+13.4%

$53,720 (2019) → $60,900 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays occupational therapy assistants more: Allen Park or Detroit?

Allen Park has a higher median occupational therapy assistant salary at $66,944/year, compared to Detroit at $62,611/year — a difference of $4,333 (6.92%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Allen Park and Detroit?

Allen Park occupational therapy assistants earn $32.18/hr while Detroit hygienists earn $30.10/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Allen Park to Detroit as a occupational therapy assistant?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Allen Park and Detroit. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Allen Park = $71,828, Detroit = $62,425), job availability (5 vs 470 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level occupational therapy assistants earn in Allen Park vs Detroit?

Entry-level (10th percentile) occupational therapy assistants earn $51,459 in Allen Park and $53,739 in Detroit. The Detroit area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, COTA/LData verified by Samuel Chen, OTR/L

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.81% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

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